Rescued Nine-Year-Old Kayaker Reunites With Coast Guard Helicopter Crew
WHEELING, Ill. (CBS) -- A nine-year-old boy was reunited with members of the Coast Guard helicopter crew who rescued him earlier this month, reports WBBM's Lisa Fielding.
Nine-year-old Tommy Alter of Highland Park got a chance to say thank you to the Coast Guard crew who rescued him from Lake Michigan near Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin.
His mother Leslie says there were several frantic hours when Tommy, his aunt and his cousin didn't return from their kayak trip. She says even though their story had a happy ending, there are lessons to be learned from the experience.
"The lake is a dangerous place and although we thought that it was very calm and a beautiful day to go out kayaking the conditions can change very quickly and we wish that we knew then what we know now," she said.
The Coast Guard says the three had drifted about 10 miles offshore and they were in good condition considering they spent about 17 hours stranded on the water.
Tommy was able to meet his rescue crew and even got to sit in the helicopter that carried him to safety.