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1,500 Americans Become Accidental Refugees During Raft Race

SARNIA, Ontario (WWJ) - Mother nature had another destination planned for thousands of people who took part in the Port Huron Float Down.

About 5,000 people took part in the annual event and more than a thousand of those floating along the river were blown off course by strong winds and ended up in another country.

Oh Canada.

Sarnia Police Sergeant Scott Clark says the once-refugee Americans are back in the U.S.

"I don't think any remain -- that I am aware of -- I would say somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 people; 19 bus loads that we shipped back over to the Port Huron side,  the American side," said Clark.

As thousands of people floated down the Saint Clair River in rafts and inflatables on Sunday -- strong westerly winds took about 1,500 over to the Canadian side of the river.

The sergeant says floaters wind up on the Canadian side every year-- but he's never seen a situation like this one before. Floaters get in the water at Port Huron and exit at Marysville-- the Canada excursion is optional-- and not recommended.

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