Ranger dies in boating accident in Voyageurs National Park

A police ranger in Voyageurs National Park died Sunday while helping a stricken ship to shore.

The ranger responded to a call from a ship on Lake Namakan late in the morning, the park said in a statement. “While towing the distressed vessel, the NPS boat capsized, forcing the ranger and the three people who were being assisted into the water,” the release said. “The three spectators were able to swim to safety, but the ranger was missing.”

After a three-hour search, the unidentified ranger’s body was found just before 3:30 p.m

The park reported strong winds and rough water at this time.