Fog strands hunters in boat

Two hunters on a 15-foot boat became disoriented due to heavy fog near Devil's Island about 1.5 miles north of Cape Rock on the Mississippi River Thursday night. The vessel was stranded in a cove on the Illinois side for more than two hours until rescuers were able to reach them.

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department launched Marine 1, its 24-foot Boston whaler, at Red Star boat ramp at 6:29 p.m. Rescuers spent more than two hours looking for the hunters.

Marine 1, piloted by Capt. Brad Dillow, is equipped with sonar and GPS tracking equipment. It went up river at 3 mph navigating solely with aid of instruments due to the fog, said Dillow.

"That was one of the worst ones I've seen," said Dillow. "With our older johnboat we'd never have been able to do it."

The fire department purchased Marine 1 just over six months ago with money from the fire sales tax.

The hunters rode back in the department boat. Officials questioned their judgment at going out in such difficult weather.

"Basically they just got in over their heads," said battalion chief Mike Ramsey. "They need to exhibit better common sense and not be out in these conditions, to put it bluntly."

Looking back on the operation, Ramsey said he questions whether it was worth the risk to his men. Night boaters, he said, are advised to bring extra clothing and provisions in case they are forced to camp out due to inclement weather.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245