Heroic Rescue on Fletchers Pond - Northern Michigan's News Leader

Greg Austin was out on Fletchers Pond near Hillman in Montmerency County with his 3 sons and grandson when they caught a fish.   They excitedly leaned over the edge, that's when their boat flipped throwing them into the deep water.

They were at least 1.5 miles from the nearest shore screaming for help.  Bob Hills and Justin Goffinet heard their desperate pleas and called 911.  But, when the cries for help continued, the men sprung into action.

They jumped into their boat and searched the dark water.  They found the family of 5 and immediately realized their boat was too small to hold 7 people.  But, they were going to do whatever it took to save this family including getting into the water themselves.

They say it was nothing short of a miracle the boat was able to hold all 7 people.   It was so full they were unable to move it for fear they would capsize themselves.  So, they waited for emergency help.

The DNR says the family was rescued just in time, they were suffering from early signs of hypothermia.

The capsized boat is still out in the water but the family's now safe and on dry land.  They say they'll never forget what Justin and Bob did for them when they were scared and cold in that dark water.

All three children were wearing life vests. The DNR says they saved their lives.

9&10's Ann Marie LaFlamme and photojournalist Joel Deaner have the details.