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MANISTIQUE — It was a joint effort by several law enforcement departments to rescue two distressed kayakers out of Lake Michigan Monday afternoon.
According to a release sent out by the Michigan State Police St. Ignace Post, troopers responded to help two men who were kayaking in Lake Michigan around 3:15 p.m. on June 4 – just off South Barques Point Trail.
The MSP reports that a DNR conservation officer used his jet ski to reach and rescue one of the men. He was taken by ambulance to Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital.
The conservation officer and a Manistique Public Safety officer then attempted to reach and rescue the second man who had gone underwater. They were unable to locate him at that time.
The Schoolcraft County Sheriff’s Marine Division, with assistance from the conservation officer, did find the man’s body which the MSP Dive Team later retrieved.
During the second attempt, the Manistique Public Safety officer was injured and sought treatment at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital for water inhalation.
Though the investigation is still being conducted, no foul play is suspected. Alcohol is also believed to be a factor.
Troopers were assisted by members of the Schoolcraft County Sheriff’s Department, Manistique Public Safety, Manistique EMS, Sault Tribal Law Enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The MSP St. Ignace Post says no further information regarding the kayakers can be released at this time.
