The Canadian Coast Guard has tallied the costs incurred from responding to the Port Huron Float Down last Sunday.
Estimated expenses of fuel and provisions for the ship Limnos, the on-scene command vessel, and several fast rescue craft used to assist participants who were in distress or in urgent situations is set at $21,700.
Add to that over $8,000 in costs incurred by the city of Sarnia and the total cost hits $30,000.
The Canadian Coast Guard and federal, provincial and municipal authorities worked together in the weeks leading up to the event to ensure a coordinated response effort.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe drive started by a Port Huron area man to raise money to try to reimburse Sarnia for costs incurred during the event has now raised over $4,400. Donations have come in from as far away as Mexico, Florida, Virginia and Iowa, many from people who didn't even participate in the Float Down.
1,500 Americans on inflatable rafts and boats landed in Sarnia after drifting across the international border from Michigan during high winds on the St. Clair River.
Lambton EMS reported only minor injuries during the event Sunday, primarily cuts and bruises from people trying to scramble ashore.
