The men credit the people who rescued them as heros for risking their own lives.
By Melissa Smith
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 6:31 p.m.
Read more: Local, Community
TRAVERSE CITY -- "Without their efforts, I'm sure if would have been a much different outcome," says Alonzo Knowles of Traverse City.
It's an outcome that Knowles doesn't want to think about...It all started last Friday when Knowles and two of his friends along with his Labrador retriever, Maisey went duck hunting.
While on Munuscong Bay near Sault St. Marie five to six foot waves capsized their boat, sending the men and dog into freezing waters.
"I know what went through my mind...it's one of those holy cow moments. I's something that's always a possibility," says Knowles.
Knowles was able use his cell phone to call 911 and a GPS to relay the hunters location.
"Then the wait began, trying to figure out how do we hold onto the bottom of this boat with these waves crashing over us. You know, what do you do? How do you maintain that little bit of grip you have? We're getting washed on and off the boat," says Knowles.
This traumatic experience continued for two hours before rescue crews arrived.
"Everyone stayed very calm and just did what it took to find a way through it. It was really remarkable," says Knowles.
Knowles says the Coast Guard, DNR, state police, sheriff's office and even community members eventually made their way out to the three men.
"What a humbling experience, just the out pouring of help and the community up there...we just can't thank them enough," says Knowles.
Miraculously Knowles' dog Maisey got separated during the incident, but was found safe two days later near the accident site. Knowles credits the rescuers as heroes for putting their own lives on the line for his friends and Maisey.
