A 41-year-old man from Grafton, North Dakota, died on Sunday, August 10, after a boating accident on Cass Lake in Minnesota.
According to Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk, emergency services received a 911 call at around 5:50 p.m. reporting that a person had gone into the water and had not resurfaced. The sheriff’s office, along with multiple law enforcement and rescue agencies, immediately responded to the scene and began searching for the missing man.
Investigators learned that the man had been aboard a pontoon boat on Cass Lake when he got into the water to fix a problem with the boat’s motor. While he was in the water, he failed to resurface. Juveniles on the boat tried to throw him a life jacket, but strong winds caused the boat to drift away from him.
The drifting boat was later intercepted by other boaters on the lake, who helped the young passengers and contacted 911 to report the incident.
A large search effort was launched, involving rescue teams from different agencies as well as assistance from nearby boaters. Around 7:51 p.m.—roughly two hours after the initial call—the man’s body was found and recovered from the lake. Authorities confirmed that he was not wearing a life vest at the time of the incident.
The man’s identity has not yet been released, as officials are notifying his family.
An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the exact cause of death. The incident remains under investigation.
Rescue agencies involved in the response included the Cass Lake Fire Department, Leech Lake Ambulance, Leech Lake Tribal Police, the Leech Lake Department of Resources Conservation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers, the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and the Lakes Area Dive Team. In addition to these agencies, numerous boaters on Cass Lake joined in the search and recovery effort.
Sheriff Welk expressed his appreciation to all the individuals and organizations that worked together to respond quickly to the emergency. “In situations like this, time is critical,” he said. “We are grateful for the assistance of all who helped with the search, including the boaters who came to the aid of the passengers and provided information to our teams.”
Water Safety Reminder
Authorities are using the incident as a reminder about the importance of wearing life vests while on the water. Even experienced swimmers can run into trouble, especially in strong winds, cold water, or while dealing with mechanical problems. Life jackets significantly increase the chances of survival during water emergencies.
Cass Lake, located in north-central Minnesota, is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports during the summer months. While generally considered safe, the lake can be affected by sudden changes in weather, including strong winds and waves that can make swimming and boating hazardous.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office urges boaters to take extra precautions when out on the water. Recommended safety measures include:
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Always wearing a properly fitted life jacket.
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Ensuring that children are supervised and wearing life vests at all times.
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Keeping safety equipment, such as throwable flotation devices, easily accessible.
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Checking weather conditions before going out on the lake.
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Avoiding unnecessary risks, such as working on a motor while in the water without flotation support.
The sheriff’s office also encourages anyone who witnesses a boating emergency to call 911 immediately, provide accurate location details, and, if possible, offer assistance without putting themselves in danger.
As the investigation into the Cass Lake drowning continues, local officials hope the tragedy serves as a reminder for all water recreation enthusiasts to prioritize safety.
