safety
Chief: 2 of 3 victims killed in Lake Pepin pontoon crash were Wabasha firefighters
By Kyle Brown at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 13, 2026
· 2 min read
Two of the three people who were found dead after a pontoon boat crashed with a commercial barge Saturday on Lake Pepin were Wabasha firefighters, the city’s fire chief confirmed.
RELATED: 3 found dead after pontoon collides with barge on Lake Pepin
Authorities say six people were on the bo...
Key takeaway RELATED: 3 found dead after pontoon collides with barge on Lake Pepin Authorities say six people were on the boat at the time of the crash.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The tragic loss of two Wabasha firefighters in the Lake Pepin pontoon crash resonates deeply within the Minneapolis community, given the strong bonds between local fire departments across the Twin Cities area. This incident may prompt a review of boating safety protocols on Lake Pepin, a popular destination for Minneapolis residents seeking recreation on the Wisconsin border. The U.S. Coast Guard's investigation into the collision with a commercial barge will be closely watched by local authorities, who must balance the needs of commercial and recreational water traffic. As the City of Wabasha mourns the loss of its community members, Minneapolis residents can expect to see tributes and expressions of support from local fire departments and community groups, underscoring the close-knit nature of public safety personnel in the region. The incident's impact will likely be felt in upcoming community events and public safety initiatives.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Two of the three people who were found dead after a pontoon boat crashed with a commercial barge Saturday on Lake Pepin were Wabasha firefighters, the city’s fire chief confirmed.
RELATED: 3 found dead after pontoon collides with barge on Lake Pepin
Authorities say six people were on the bo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kyle Brown at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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