Boater rescued after severe rain sinks vessel on Ottawa River
A 14-foot aluminum boat filled with water during Saturday's thunderstorm. The occupant made it safely to shore and was checked by paramedics.
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A boater made it safely to the Ottawa River's shores on July 20 after their vessel rapidly filled with rainwater during a severe thunderstorm.
The incident happened around 4:46 p.m. when torrential rain rolled through the region. A 911 caller reported a 14-foot aluminum boat near Morin Road and Boise Lane filling with water, with a person jumping into the water.
Firefighters who specialize in water rescues were sent to the east end. Crews launched a rescue boat upriver and arrived to find the capsized vessel. The occupant had already made it the 100 metres to shore and was checked out by paramedics.
Firefighters towed the boat to shore, turned it upright, and used a pump to remove the water before returning it to the owner. The timing coincides with National Drowning Prevention Week — a reminder that weather conditions can change quickly on the water.
The facts
What happened to the boat on July 20?
A 14-foot aluminum boat on the Ottawa River rapidly filled with rainwater during a severe thunderstorm around 4:46 p.m. on July 20, 2026.
How far did the boater swim to shore?
The occupant swam approximately 100 metres to reach the shore of the Ottawa River.
What did firefighters do with the boat?
Firefighters towed the boat to shore, turned it upright, pumped out the water, and returned it to the owner.
