The escapees fired up the launch's motor and headed west for shore, but the craft began leaking after less than a mile. The excited castaways bailed vigorously, while Captain Ellison signaled for help with a small flashlight.

After two hours of motoring and bailing, and still two miles offshore, the launch was spotted by Coast Guard Surfman Paul Berg, who was patrolling the beach near Kenosha when he noticed Ellison's S.O.S. signal. Berg notified station commander William McGraw, and a lifesaving boat was quickly dispatched.  Soon the shipwrecked men of the Rosinco found themselves safely ashore. The following day, all were on their way back to Chicago.