As the annual Port Huron Float Down took place on Sunday, reports surfaced that approximately 1,500 Americans washed up on Canadian shores due to unforeseen forceful winds.
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The annual Port Huron Float Down took place over the weekend in MI, but it didn’t go as planned as floaters were blown into the community of Sarnia, Ont. But the winds added an unusual twist.
Police have detailed any possible injuries during the event.
According to Reuters, after the rescue efforts concluded the Americans were gathered at Sarnia, Ontario, and then bussed back to the United States by the city’s public transit.
The Port Huron Float Down had been the subject of criticism before the Sunday, Aug. 22 worldwide incident surrounding the unsanctioned, unsponsored event.
“This is exactly why we stress the importance of paddles and oars, and not entering the water if you are incapable of maneuvering on your own”.
“The Port Huron Float Down is neither carefully planned nor adequately supervised, and when coupled with the expected consumption of alcohol, this is an invitation to disaster”, Lake Carriers’ Association President James Weakley said in the statement.
Not floating my boat: U.S. partiers ended up in Canada after storm weather blew them off course.
First-responder agencies will be on hand to help prevent floaters from drifting into Canadian waters.
“Instead of waiting around, we made a decision to use some muscle and get ourselves back”, she said.
Some Americans reportedly offered to swim back to their homeland but they were rounded up and sent back on buses.
“It was a bit of a nightmare, but we got through it”, Sarnia Police Staff Sgt Scott Clarke said.
US citizens have the right to re-enter their country but, if they arrive at the border without documents, they may be delayed temporarily while their identity and citizenship is confirmed, he said.
The Port Huron Float Down group posted on Facebook to thank their rescuers.
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“You’ve shown us true kindness and what it means to be fantastic neighbours!” they wrote.
