Robert James, 31, of Grand Portage, headed out onto Lake Superior to set fishing nets at about 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, expecting to be back to his Bay Road residence early to midafternoon. When there was no sign of James by 10:48 p.m., his mother reported him as overdue. A search was launched.
Participating in the search were Cook County Sheriff ’s Deputies, Grand Portage Tribal Game Wardens and civilians. Responders checked the Voyageur and Grand Portage Lodge marinas for sign of the 18-foot fishing boat with a 40hp motor. A civilian set out in his boat to check the location where James normally fished.
The U.S. Coast Guard was contacted and a plane set out to help with the search. At 3:56 a.m., James’ boat was found, pulled up on shore along the southern edge of Hat Point. The search for James continued and at 4:39 a.m., the Coast Guard plane spotted a flickering light. The Coast Guard relayed the location to rescuers on the ground who were able to locate James.
James told rescuers that he had run out of gas and drifted into shore. He was walking out to the highway when he was found. According to Cook County Law Enforcement, James was in good health. All parties were back at the Grand Portage marina by 6:44 a.m.
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