swims 13 hours after boat flips

Man swims 13 hours after boat flips in Saginaw Bay

Associated Press 9:42 AM CDT, July 14, 2008LINWOOD, Mich. - Authorities say a 51-year-old man swam for about 13 hours to reach shore after his boat flipped in Saginaw Bay and helped steer rescuers to his fishing companion, who was waiting atop the capsized boat.

The Saginaw News reports Gene Lizotte of Davison and 45-year-old Robin Heit of Vassar were wearing life preservers when the fishing boat capsized between 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday in 5-foot waves.

Lizotte reached the shore near Linwood about 3 a.m. Monday. WSGW-AM reports residents heard cries for help.

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued Heit about 7 a.m. about 6 miles from shore.




One of the men had been reported missing by his wife about 2 a.m., but she didn't know where they were fishing.

Both men were treated for mild hypothermia.

51, and the dude swam 13 hours? :huh: Awesome.