'Surfing Santa' plucked from river amid high waves
By
Vanessa Thomas - News Staff Reporter
Updated:
12/23/07 4:45 PM
A Canadian man dressed as Santa Claus was windsurfing in the Niagara River this morning, but he was sent back home on a boat after being rescued from treacherous waves.
The windsurfer, known as the Surfing Santa, was identified as John Fulton, 47, of Fort Erie.
It is unclear if he is facing any immigration violations for entering the U.S. without reporting to inspections officials.
Authorities said Fulton apparently began windsurfing on the Canadian side of the river but ended up on the American side, near West Ferry Street and the Peace Bridge just off downtown Buffalo.
Petty Officer Robert Moore of the U.S. Coast Guard's Buffalo station said a woman called authorities at about 10:35 a.m. reporting a windsurfer near the breakwall on the American side.
The call prompted the U.S. Coast Guard, the Buffalo Fire Department, and Erie County Sheriff's Office to respond with helicopters, boats and personnel walking the breakwall looking for the Santa in distress. Fort Erie firefighters also came to Fulton's aid, crossing the river in their boat. Moore said winds were high and waves were approaching seven to eight feet as they rescued Fulton.
Buffalo firefighters walked along the breakwall to locate Fulton, and Fort Erie firefighters took him back to Canada on their boat.
Authorities believe Fulton was in the 37-degree water for at least 60 mintes. But they said he did not appear to be injured.
For more details, see Monday's Buffalo News.
