Boater Makes 2-Mile Swim to Safety in Lake Superior

There has been an uptick in boating accidents in the Great Lakes. A boater recently fell overboard and managed to swim two miles to a nearby island.

Thankfully, two of the most recent Great Lakes boating accidents have had happy endings, but that is not always the case.

Great Lakes Boating Accidents

Every year, we hear reports of boats capsizing and people losing their lives on the Great Lakes. It’s not only boats and ships that are dangerous; rip currents also claim lives each summer.

In 2020, Michigan had 181 boating accidents, with 127 occurring on the Great Lakes. In 2023, 21 deaths were reported in Michigan related to boating accidents.

Read More: Lake Michigan Boaters, Surfers Save Two from Capsized Boat

Most boating accidents occur due to alcohol use, operator inexperience, excessive speed, operator inattention, and equipment malfunctions.

Man Swims 2 Miles to Shore After Lake Superior Mishap

According to Wood TV, two men were riding on a boat in Lake Superior to Isle Royale to meet up with friends when one man fell overboard. Boat captain Joe Modec was chatting with his buddy Peter Joice when he noticed his friend had stopped responding to him, looked back, and his friend was gone.

Modec circled the area in an attempt to find Joice, but he was nowhere to be found. That is when Modec hit the distress button on the boat and headed for the marina.

Joice managed to swim approximately two miles to Grand Portage Island. During the swim, Joice pulled off all his clothes except his boxers. Once he got to shore, he waved sticks to get the attention of passing boats when he was finally discovered later that night.

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There was no indication of Joice or Modec being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Joice is said to be doing well and even declined medical treatment.

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