Tonia Logan had taken seven 13-year-old children out for a day on her pontoon boat. During their outing, she witnessed an unexpected and alarming sight: a boat on fire in the middle of the lake, with two men stranded in the water. This marked a first in Logan’s extensive boating experience.
The incident involved a 25-foot fiberglass hull powerboat that had exploded approximately two miles northeast of Waukegan Harbor. The boat was engulfed in flames, with smoke billowing near the power plant at the end of Greenwood Avenue. Onboard were a 46-year-old man from Washington state and a 55-year-old man from suburban Franklin Park, both of whom sustained burn injuries.
Logan, who captured the explosion on her cell phone, immediately called 911. She instructed the teens on her boat to put on their life jackets as she steered her vessel towards the site of the explosion to provide assistance.
"As we approached, Ella, one of the teens, pointed out, 'There are two men in the water,' and we did everything in our power to reach them as quickly and safely as possible," Logan recounted.
Upon reaching the men, Logan observed they were severely injured and floating on a piece of board. The extent of their injuries was unclear, but it was evident they had suffered significant burns and were in a state of shock and extreme pain.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Logan knew immediate action was necessary. She and her group managed to rescue the men, who were later seen expressing their gratitude for her timely intervention.
Another boater nearby recorded the fire gradually diminishing before what remained of the boat sank into the lake. The two rescued men credited Logan and her companions with saving their lives.
"We had to act, and I believe a higher power ensured we were there to help," Logan stated. "We fulfilled our duty for the day, showing the kids the importance of helping others when possible."
The Lake County Sheriff's Office reported that both men suffered from burns and smoke inhalation. They were transported to Vista East Medical Center for treatment, where they were listed in serious condition but are expected to recover.
The Illinois Conservation Police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.
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