A family of five was rescued late Sunday night when their kayaks became caught in strong winds on Lake Huron. Now the parents could face charges for not being properly equipped on the lake in the evening.
The family from Taylor included children ages 6, 10 and 14.
The rescue happened around 9 p.m. The Huron County Sheriff's Office received a report that the family had left Turnip Rock in the dark and headed into southern winds that were moving at over 35 miles per hour. One of the kayakers had become exhausted from battling against the winds, and it became difficult for the group to return to shore, investigators say.
Sheriff's deputies were assisted by the Port Austin Police Department. The family had gotten as far out as the Port Austin breakwall. Rescuers tied together the family's kayaks to bring them to safety.
Police say the family members fortunately had on life jackets. They were all brought aboard a 31-foot patrol boat and then taken to a state dock for evaluation.
Investigators say this was the family's first trip to the area and they had decided to stay out late on the water in order to get photos of the sunset.
The sheriff's office will be referring this case to the prosecutor's office to discuss possible charges of reckless operation, not being properly lighted while operating at night and bringing too many people on a one-person kayak.
