Two jet ski operators and a passenger who learned the hard way that the Manitou Passage can quickly turn dangerous are facing multiple citations from the National Park Service.
The operators and a passenger had planned to camp on the island after beaching their craft Saturday morning at Dimmicks Point only to have the weather turn on them.
The single-passenger jet ski was able to return to the mainland Sunday morning, but the other found navigation too difficult with a passenger and gear. The Coast Guard was alerted, which forwarded the distress call to the National Park Service. North Manitou Island is a designated wilderness area with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
“Once we realized they weren’t in trouble, everything slowed down,” said acting chief ranger Andy Blake. “We told the remaining two guys on Monday morning to go to the dock, where we took the gear and passenger. The guy on the jet ski went across on his own.”
Members of the group are facing charges of camping on the island without a permit, starting a campfire in a wilderness area, and operating a jet ski within one-quarter mile of the national park.
The men had camped on the island during the summer, and returned for a final trip n. However, winds and waves kicked up, spoiling their plans.
Blake said the campers made several mistakes.
“My message from the standpoint of law enforcement and safety is we live in the age of information. You can get on your phone and get all the information needed. Also, know what the weather is going to be. And know what the law is so you can do the right thing,” Blake said.
The outcome could have been worse, he added.
“It worked out fine. But I try to tell people it’s an ocean. It’s not a small lake in your back yard, and conditions can change very, very quickly,” Blake said.
