09-14-2004, 12:02 AM
Man robbed while performing good deed
By Matt Whetstone, Cadillac News
CADILLAC - When Ray Danders decided to help a few boaters in distress Sunday, he had no way of knowing someone would take advantage of his unlocked vehicle.
Danders, who is from Lansing but owns a vacation home in the Irons area, was solo fishing on his boat near the Tippy Dam. At about 8:20 p.m. he pulled his boat near the launch, backed his truck down for pickup and prepared to leave.
He had placed his Sony DSE707 digital camera, two lenses and a fishing tackle bag in the passenger seat of the truck.
While preparing to pull his boat out, some other anglers pointed out that another boat had capsized.
"When I saw some people in distress my first thought was maybe they're in trouble," Danders said.
"I didn't even think about it. I just went out to help."
Danders said the two occupants of the boat had been riding in circles prior to their boat flipping.
When he got out there, one of the men had the capsized boat's anchor wrapped around his foot and was struggling to stay afloat.
Danders managed to get both men into the boat and spent about 45 minutes on the water helping the men and retrieving their possessions.
Meanwhile, someone opened the unlocked door of his truck and relieved him of the camera, lenses and fishing bag. Danders estimated the value at $2,000.
"Thieves are thieves and I guess when opportunity knocks, they take advantage," Danders said.
At the time of the theft, Danders said there were several people on shore and other boats coming in from a day of fishing.
He called the Manistee County Sheriff's Department and reported the incident.
"It was a bad situation for everyone, fortunately no one drowned," Danders said.
Danders said he is hoping someone saw the theft occur and can help him retrieve his possessions.
Anyone with information should contact the Manistee County Sheriff's Department at 231-723-8393.
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By Matt Whetstone, Cadillac News
CADILLAC - When Ray Danders decided to help a few boaters in distress Sunday, he had no way of knowing someone would take advantage of his unlocked vehicle.
Danders, who is from Lansing but owns a vacation home in the Irons area, was solo fishing on his boat near the Tippy Dam. At about 8:20 p.m. he pulled his boat near the launch, backed his truck down for pickup and prepared to leave.
He had placed his Sony DSE707 digital camera, two lenses and a fishing tackle bag in the passenger seat of the truck.
While preparing to pull his boat out, some other anglers pointed out that another boat had capsized.
"When I saw some people in distress my first thought was maybe they're in trouble," Danders said.
"I didn't even think about it. I just went out to help."
Danders said the two occupants of the boat had been riding in circles prior to their boat flipping.
When he got out there, one of the men had the capsized boat's anchor wrapped around his foot and was struggling to stay afloat.
Danders managed to get both men into the boat and spent about 45 minutes on the water helping the men and retrieving their possessions.
Meanwhile, someone opened the unlocked door of his truck and relieved him of the camera, lenses and fishing bag. Danders estimated the value at $2,000.
"Thieves are thieves and I guess when opportunity knocks, they take advantage," Danders said.
At the time of the theft, Danders said there were several people on shore and other boats coming in from a day of fishing.
He called the Manistee County Sheriff's Department and reported the incident.
"It was a bad situation for everyone, fortunately no one drowned," Danders said.
Danders said he is hoping someone saw the theft occur and can help him retrieve his possessions.
Anyone with information should contact the Manistee County Sheriff's Department at 231-723-8393.
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