Father of 4 drowns, coworker recounts rescue attempt after canoe capsized

After a drowning on Lake Huron, the man who survived recounts rescue attempt. CTV London’s Scott Miller reports.

Anthony Lippett is frankly lucky to be alive.

“It’s not something I ever want to have to go through or watch ever again. I don’t think I’ll step foot in the canoe again,” said Lippett.

After finishing up a job near Howdenvale, north of Sauble Beach on Monday evening, Lippett said he, his co-worker, and 14-year-old boss’ son, went out for a canoe ride in Lake Huron. When they left shore the lake was calm, but it quickly turned wavy he said, dumping all three and their canoe into the water.

“We fought for about seven minutes to get the canoe flipped back over. Couldn’t do it. I said leave it, and we tried to swim back to shore. We got about halfway back, and Dan was running out of breath, I was out of breath. I told them to grab my foot, and I’ll try and pull them as I go. Then, I went under the water. The next thing you know, he’s not there anymore,” said Lippett.

Lippett and the 14-year-old made it to shore and called 911, but it was too late. Lippett said his co-worker, 32-year-old Dan Pegelo, didn’t survive after spending nearly 10 minutes under water.

“32 years old. He’s got four kids and a wife. I’ve known him for 12 years and I’ll never forget him, that’s for sure. Always had good stories and a great worth ethic. He’ll be deeply missed, that’s for sure,” said Lippett.

Pegelo’s drowning is the second in two days in Midwestern Ontario. A 4-year-old drowned in a private pond on Sunday. The OPP are urging people to wear a lifejacket to buy time, in case of a marine emergency.

“We never plan on having an accident out in the water. But, if you ever do fall overboard or have a medical event or something, we want you to have your PFD (personal floatation device) on for your safety. And also, think about your family. They expect you to come home at the end of the day. So, wear it for them, and wear it for yourself,” said Huron County OPP Constable, Craig Soldan.

Lippett said neither he nor Pegelo were wearing lifejackets in the canoe when it capsized.

“Dan didn’t want to put the life jacket on, because he used to be a damn good swimmer, and it just took the best out of him this time,” said Lippett.

“If you find yourself in the water and you happen to get a gulp of water and you start choking and spitting, that’s when panic sets in, and there goes your swimming skills, and you know you’re going to find yourself in trouble. So, don’t assume that you can make it to shore. A PFD will buy you some time. If you’re floating safely, then you can take your time and get to shore safely,” said Soldan.