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Crews come to rescue of family

Our family will be forever grateful to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, EMS, Border Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard from Erie and Buffalo. Their rescue efforts led to my husband’s safe return from a “routine” sailing trip last week on Lake Erie.

We watched him sail towards the horizon, then lost sight of the boat. When it did not reappear on the horizon after 10 or 15 minutes, I knew something was wrong. Bob had taken the boat out at 5 p.m. and it was after 6.

If he were heading home, I’d see the sails by then. It was his birthday. The table was set for dinner with friends and family. So I called 911. The woman who answered was calm and reassuring but immediately gauged the seriousness of the situation and contacted the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office. They dispatched a deputy to our cottage at Van Buren Point, who stayed with us until search boats located Bob in the waters near Brocton. He had drifted 3 miles west but four hours later and nearly sundown, he was safe, sound, and on his way home.

I am sure the area’s year-round residents know that Chautauqua County law enforcement and their state and federal partners are an extraordinary group of public servants. But on behalf of the entire Wilson family, I would like to publically acknowledge Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies Howlett, Anderson, Studley, Bargar and Eggert, along with Border Patrol Agent Ben Aldrich. We would also like to thank EMS personnel at Dunkirk Harbor and Petty Officer Gonzalez and “Dave” from the U.S. Coast Guard for their concern and dedication. Their combined and coordinated efforts made it possible for us to enjoy a late night birthday dinner, give thanks and ask for many blessings on your good work.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The Bob Wilson family resides in Van Buren Point and Pittsburgh.

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