The partially submerged boat with six aboard. Courtesy, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office
When the St. Cloud Police Department received a distress call about a family of six aboard a sinking boat, miles off the shore in East Lake Tohopekaliga, father-son duo Michael and Shane MacDonald immediately fired up the patrol boat. The officers knew there was little time to rescue the family before the boat sank beneath the water and a brewing storm rolled in, so with the help of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office STAR helicopter unit, the duo headed straight for the sinking vessel. Bodycam footage from the officers shows that the bow of the boat was already fully submerged, and two of those on board were already in the water.
Bodycam video still of Officer Michael MacDonald pulling the boat passengers to safety. Courtesy, St. Cloud P.D.
The situation was dire and approaching tragic, as many of the family members onboard were unable to swim and time was running out. Approaching the boat, Officer Michael MacDonald reassured the group, saying “I’ve got you, I’ve got you” before he and son Shane began to lift the members of the family onto the patrol boat.
St. Cloud Fire Rescue and a good Samaritan also aided in the rescue, where all six passengers were safely brought back to dry land. First responders were waiting to provide medical checks to the family and determined that none was seriously injured. In a great display of professionalism, urgency, and a service to community, Shane and Michael expertly navigated the emergency and rescued a family in need in the choppy waves of the lake. The two have been very close since Shane was young, which they shared in an interview with Inside Edition. “I’ve always looked up to him,” said Shane, whether it be dad coaching him in soccer or as his middle school teacher. Now, they go on bike patrol together.
St. Cloud Police Officers Michael and Shane MacDonald. Courtesy, WSVN-TV
“When it came down to it, our training really kicked in, and we can take care of what we have to do,” said Shane in a later interview regarding the rescue. Michael was equally happy with the outcome, stating “Everything was phenomenal that day and worked out perfectly … I’m very proud to be his father.” The two have both turned into something of local heroes for the saves, a fitting addition to their adventures together.
See you on the trail,
Lisa
LMA Newsletter of 5-18-26
