Unmanned Boat Spotted ‘Running Circles’ in Elizabeth Lake before Draining its Fuel

Waterford Township, Michigan – A rather bizarre scene unfolded in Waterford Township on the evening of Thursday, September 12, 2024, where an unoccupied boat was spotted ‘running circles’ in Elizabeth Lake. The eye-catching event unfolded until the boat literally ran out of gas.

A witness noticed the unusual event around 8:30 p.m. on that day. The boat was revving at high speed without anyone aboard, drawing perfect circles in the middle of Elizabeth Lake. To add more mystery to the scene, a pair of floating shoes could be seen nearby.

“When I got a call about a boat without any passengers running around in circles on full throttle, I definitely felt a pang of fear. Nobody would want such a scenario to end in a tragedy,” confided a local officer. Rescue boats, along with a helicopter and drone unit support from the Sheriff’s Office, were immediately sent to investigate.

The boat, running “driverless” and out of control, finally quit its peculiar voyages as it had exhausted its gas. The 17-foot-boat was promptly retrieved by authorities and was found to have its safety lanyard still attached to the key, which was in the ignition, and its throttle fully pressed.

The boat’s owner, a 35-year-old local man, was reached out by officers at his home. He explained that he and a 24-year-old female passenger got thrown out of the boat when they hit a wake. Neither happen to be wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. The two were reportedly good swimmers and managed to make it safely back to the shore.

Authorities have towed the boat back to shore and returned it to its owner. Officials mentioned that alcohol was involved, but the main issue seems to be the owner’s inexperience at handling the boat. The incident remains under investigation.