Firefighters rescue family on sailboat

Southeast Missourian

A family enjoying an outing on the Mississippi River in a 40-foot sailboat had to be rescued Saturday by Cape Girardeau firefighters after they experienced mechanical problems.

The marine rescue unit of the Cape Girardeau Fire Department traveled 15 miles south of the city to retrieve four of the five family members on board the craft, Capt. John Ryan said.

One man remained behind with the boat, which was moored in the river outside the navigation channel, Ryan said.

The department did not attempt to tow the boat back to Cape Girardeau, Ryan said. Cape Girardeau firefighters took the call because the city is the only potential responder in the area with the capability doing emergency rescues, he said.