A Barnes man is dead following possible health emergency while fishing

Douglas County authorities are investigating a death while boating on Red Lake near the town of Wascott. According to the Douglas County Sheriff, authorities were called to the scene in the area of 10428 E Red Lake Drive at 7:22 p.m. on Friday, July 12. The victim was later identified as 71 year old, Michael Andersen of Barnes, Wisconsin.

According to the report from the Douglas County Sheriff, Andersen had been fishing for about three hours on Red Lake with his fishing partner, a 92-year-old Hayward man. The man told authorities that he heard Andersen yell from the front of the boat and then he fell into the water.

The friend tried to bring the boat around to Andersen but the wind made it difficult. When he got close to Andersen, he was face down and unconscious. Authorities say the man was unable to get the victim back into the boat, so he held onto him as he yelled for help.

People on the shore heard the yelling and went out to help. They were able to get Andersen onto their pontoon boat and administered CPR until first responders arrived. Andersen died at the scene. Authorities say the initial investigation shows he may have suffered a medical event causing his fall off the boat, however the incident remains under investigation.

The Gordon-Wascott EMS and VFD’s, Gordon Public Safety Officer, Wisconsin DNR, Mayo Ambulance, and Douglas County Medical Examiners Office all assisted.