Four people plucked from frigid Lake Simcoe after boat fire

The 45-foot vessel caught fire more than a mile from shore near Line 7; A boater in the area was able to pull the four boaters to safety

A fire on this vessel forced four boaters to flee into Lake Simcoe Sunday afternoon. A boater in the area was able to pluck the boaters from the chilly waters. Orillia OPP photo

Four boaters have a lot to be thankful for today.

While boating in Lake Simcoe late Sunday afternoon, a 45-foot vessel caught fire. The four boaters on board were forced to flee the boat and jump into the chilly waters.

#OrilliaOPP attended a water rescue. This vessel caught fire, on Lake Simcoe. 4 people, plucked from the water by a boater. @BarriePolice @YRP brought their boats to extinguish the 🔥 @OrilliaFire, Oro and Ramara FD attended. No injuries, just an eventful #Thanksgivingweekend^mh pic.twitter.com/D9TDUb51Pk
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) October 11, 2020

Another boater, who saw the smoke from the fire, sprung into action and plucked the boaters from the water.

York Region Police brought their fire-boats to the area - more than a mile off shore, near Line 7 of Oro-Medonte Township - and were able to extinguish the fire.

Firefighters from Orillia, Oro-Medonte and Rama Fire Departments also attended the scene.

While details are scant, the Orillia OPP said no injuries were reported.

It's not known what sparked the fire or if the boaters were wearing life jackets.

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