A man who nearly drowned last week after falling overboard in Chenail Ecarte near Wallaceburg is out of hospital, and his friend faces charges.
Last Thursday, at 6:30 a.m., police and other emergency services responded to a near drowning complaint in the channel.
Investigation revealed two men, after a day of drinking, opted to go boating about 8:30 p.m. and neither wore a life jacket. About 11 p.m., police say one of the men fell overboard and went under. The other man hopped in to save him, while the boat drifted down the channel.
Both men made it to shore where they waited until morning to be rescued.
The one man had to be taken to hospital and was initially listed in serious condition. He’s since improved to the point he has been released.
A 35-year-old Wallaceburg man is charged with failing to take all reasonable steps to ensure safety of craft and persons on board.
