Marine Strong Wind — Duluth Mn To Pt Wing Wi, Lake Superior

2019-09-30 · near Sky Harbor Airport, Duluth Mn To Pt Wing Wi, Lake Superior

Event narrative

A prolonged period of northeast winds led to 2 to 4 foot waves at the head of Lake Superior. Winds were on the downward trend the morning of the 30th with gusts to around 22mph in thundershowers that moved through earlier in the morning, with rain ending around 10AM. Three boaters in aboard a 21 foot Monark Aluminum Hulled boat departed from Superior Bay and entered Lake Superior through the Superior Entry when they turned northwest to parallel Minnesota Point. Waves caused the engine to be overcome with water, and subsequent large waves turned the boat, later flipping it upside down in the water. The boat capsized around 11AM, sending the the occupants into the water. All were wearing life jackets, but they were not zipped up. Two of the boaters reached the shore safely, but the third occupant did not and his body was recovered by the Duluth Fire Department. A Small Craft Advisory was in effect at the time along with a Beach Hazards Statement citing a high risk for rip currents in the area.

Wider weather episode

A 21-foot aluminum boat exited the Superior Entry and entered Lake Superior the morning of the 30th. Waves of 2 to 4 feet swamped the boat and then capsized it, sending the three occupants into the water. Two of the occupants reached shore safely, while a third did not and drowned.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (46.7282, -92.0379)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 857053. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.