Comment

Comment by AQUAMAN on May 8, 2017 at 5:46pm

I totally agree with your LE analysis X, something is totally out of order here. "Tell-tale signs"? Wth is this? This guy had to be in severe shock and nearly frozen after that 1-2 hour near drowning. And so, if Deputies suspected this guy while at the hospital of being drunk or tipsy, they could have immediately got a blood or breath test, and failed to do so. Over a day later now they insist he was drunk, and have no verifiable evidence? And what is child abuse of taking a boat out? Maybe not the safest conditions, but abuse in court charges? They do have a probationer that was in an accident, but I doubt they have the valid proofs needed now to convict. But, Mason County has ways around legalities, and he'll probably get a stiff sentence, unless he can afford a good outside attorney. Sorta sad all the way around now.

Comment by XLFD on May 8, 2017 at 12:46pm

The MCSO has did a press release this morning telling more about the charges they are seeking.  Whether firefighters went through all of the proper methodology is a matter for them in retrospect; they achieved the desired end of rescuing everyone.  But in the law enforcement side I am seeing some problems.  The release effectively states:  (Mike) Oszust, the owner of the boat, was arrested Saturday around 2:33 p.m. after being treated following the accident, according to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. 

“He showed the tell-tale signs of alcohol consumption,” said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. 

“The deputies were at the hospital, and in interviewing the people involved determined something was not right.”

The incident happened nearly a day before and no impairment tests were administered.  They could have got a search warrant that afternoon if he wished to deny a blood test, they want to get him for impaired boating.  Something is not right. 

Comment by AQUAMAN on May 8, 2017 at 12:21am

There is NO such thing as these particular conditions making options untenable. There are written and known options for rescuing people that are known to individuals that have that responsibility to do so, and these firefighters apparently have no idea of them. They are WEAK at best, and need retraining to do their jobs correctly, else, some people in the future are going to die, plain, and simple. Victims survived thru the Grace of God.

Comment by XLFD on May 7, 2017 at 9:46pm

This wasn't a textbook rescue, but thankfully everything went OK, and the conditions may have made some options untenable.  It appears as if they were looking to throw life rings at first, but it almost seems as if they waived that option after looking at what they had, and the fact they had a young kid to deal with.  Larr and Bryant are both capable officers, and I believe both are trained in water rescue.  Perhaps they will speak about why they proceeded as they did in the near future.

Comment by John Doe Jr on May 7, 2017 at 9:26pm

Yeah, and never put a boat in reverse in waves like this. That ass end was close to going under a couple times. They would have all needed rescued. Makes you wonder why no life preservers were tossed to them.  Did they have extras on the rescue boat? Glad they all got out alive.

Comment by AQUAMAN on May 7, 2017 at 12:34pm

What kind of dummies go out in 25 mph winds and 3' waves in a 12' boat? And with 40 degree water? Also, any worthwhile boater that is attempting a rescue knows enough to throw out a ring buoy with a 50'-100' rope attached. The victims are told to grab that buoy, then the rescuers pull them to side of boat. Pitiful situation, but I'm glad the rescue was successful. Then they also get to go to jail? Don't get that yet, more info. needed.

Comment by XLFD on May 7, 2017 at 10:01am

See related story here.  Daring rescue on choppy waters by Larr (left) and Bryant (above).  Fun fact:  Larr serves on both Hamlin and Ludington Fire Department, as well as being Supervisor of PM Township DPW.  Two questions remain:  why is the sheriff's office investigating it as a drug crime and why was the kid not in school.