Hunter rescued after boat capsizes

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A U.S. Coast Guard vessel from Duluth responding to a report of a duck hunter who fell in the St. Louis River in Oliver. (Maria Lockwood/mlockwood@superiortelegram.com)

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A 44-year-old Superior resident was rescued after spending about 30 minutes in the St. Louis River after falling out of his boat.

Robert Christman and his nephew were duck hunting this morning when he went onto the river in his small motor boat to retrieve the ducks they had shot, said Deputy James Madden of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.

Christman briefly let go of the outboard motor and the boat made a sharp turn, pitching him into the water, Madden said. Christman was not wearing a life jacket, the deputy said.

His nephew ran to a nearby house, where 911 was called. Christman was pulled from the water after about a half-hour, extremely cold but not seriously injured. He returned to his home to warm up, Maddens said.

“Other than being extremely cold, he was OK,” said Sgt. Robert Smith with the Sheriff’s Department.

Participating in the rescue were the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, Superior Fire Department and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Smith said such accidents are uncommon, but do happen during duck hunting season. He advised hunters to wear their life vest, and if their boat does capsize, not to panic.

The Superior Telegram contributed to this report.

Tags: public safety, news, oliver