Three Sailboats Capsize During Storm

Three sailboats originally ported at Corinthian Yacht Club in Montrose Harbor capsized during nasty weather on Thursday evening.

Six people were thrown overboard.

"Even though there were reports [of bad weather], they chose to still go out, and this is what happens," said Chicago Fire Department Chief Jim Purl.

The storm packing strong wind gusts capsized the three 15-foot long sailboats. One boat tipped over after making its way south to Belmont Harbor, righted itself, then sailed back into the port on its own.

Rescuers were called to Montrose Harbor around 7 p.m. for reports of another capsized sailboat, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Jeff Hendrix.  The yacht club's chase boat pulled two people from the water.

"If for some reason something comes up unexpected, we have rescue boats.  And once we deployed our rescue boats, they did exactly what they're intended to do," said Bruce Thompson with the Corinthian Yacht Club.

A fire department rescue boat pulled two other sailors from a third sailboat to safety.

"From the fire department's standpoint, we're there when you need us.  And in this situation they needed us, and we were there," said Purl.

All six sailors tossed overboard refused medical treatment. They appeared to be okay after having their vitals checked by their Chicago Fire Department personnel.

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