Twenty people rescued after seven sailboats capsize near Belle Isle

Twenty people were pulled from the Detroit River on Wednesday evening after a fast-moving line of thunderstorms capsized seven sailboats near Belle Isle, launching a coordinated rescue involving fireboat crews, harbor police, and at least one private boater who was on the water before official responders arrived.

Fire crews were dispatched shortly after 7:30 p.m. following reports of overturned vessels and people in the water near the island. Detroit Fireboat 2, the Sivad Johnson, deployed alongside Engine 27 and EMS units. The Detroit Police Department Harbormaster arrived on scene as well, and at least one private boater joined the effort.

Of the 20 people involved, 12 were removed directly from the river by responding crews. Eight others had managed to stay aboard two sailboats that remained upright through the storm and returned safely on their own. Six people who had entered the water came back without requiring assistance from emergency crews. Officials said everyone who was pulled from the river declined EMS treatment at the scene, and no serious injuries were reported.

Wednesday marked the first day of service for at least one crew member aboard the Sivad Johnson. The fireboat carries the name of a Detroit Fire Department sergeant who died during a water rescue on the river.

The storm that hit the river Wednesday was the second wave of a weather system that had been moving through southeast Michigan since Tuesday. On June 9, the same front produced two confirmed tornadoes in Mid-Michigan, brought tornado warnings to parts of Wayne County, and forced a temporary ground stop at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport during the evening rush. That line pushed east overnight before another set of thunderstorms arrived Wednesday, hitting hard while boats were still on the water near the island.

The stretch of the Detroit River near Belle Isle sits in an open channel where storm conditions can shift quickly when a weather system approaches from the west. Belle Isle, a state park island about a mile from the east side mainland, is one of southeast Michigan's most active outdoor destinations in the summer, drawing recreational sailors, paddlers, and parkgoers. The surrounding water sees consistent boating traffic from late spring through August.

Wednesday was not the first time emergency crews have been called to the river this spring. In April, four people were rescued after a separate boat capsized on the Detroit River, with bystanders helping pull them to safety before fire crews arrived.

All 20 people were eventually accounted for, officials confirmed. The operation did not result in any fatalities.

City officials have not released the names of those rescued, and no citations have been reported in connection with the incident.