Close Call for Area Anglers

MINNEISKA, Minn. (AP) — Authorities say two people survived a close call when their boat got too close to a dam on the Mississippi River near Winona.

Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude says Christopher James Heim, of Eyota, and Sarah Mae Irish, of Plainview, were fishing below Lock and Dam 5 at Minneiska Wednesday evening when they lifted anchor to leave but the motor wouldn't start. The undertow sucked the boat toward the dam.

But the sheriff says the 20-year-olds were able to throw the anchor over a gate to avoid getting sucked under, while a lock employee launched a boat and rescued them. There were no injuries and no damage to either boat.

The sheriff warns boaters to stay well back from the dam or risk being pulled in.