Unforgiving Lake Michigan, 3 Missing

**Ratickle** · 10-17-2011 07:06 AM

The Lake has been extremely rough the past few days. It is supposed to be again today with 10 foot forecast. But, 3 seperate incidents, 3 total missing, all on Saturday.... I'll try to get this as correct as possible.

Holland, Mi - Yesterday we saw the Coast Guard helicopter running slowly just out over the lake. Wondered what was going on. Well, I guess there were jet skiers out of Holland Saturday jumping the big stuff and as of yesterday, one had not returned. A 33 year old Holland resident with 3 kids. Very experienced jet skier, had a life jacket, wet suit, helmet all on. Yesterday they found the helmet and a piece of the ski, today they will start searching again, but the Coast Guard will not participate.

Traverse, Mi - I guess a 59 year old was using his dingy to get out to his acchored sailboat, disappeared Saturday. They found the dingy, no sign of him yet. The search will start again today.

New Buffalo, Mi - Three kayaks went out to play in the surf Saturday, all three overturned around 5:00 PM, but all had lifejackets on. Two made it to shore, the third fell out of his lifejacket and is missing. They said several times he was close to shore but the rough surf made it impossible to get him? The search will start again this morning.

**fund razor** · 10-17-2011 07:52 AM

It's tough to describe the steepness, closeness, and frequency of the waves that can develop on the great lakes to people who have never been up here. That's why wave height alone doesn't tell the story. I picture jet skiing up the side of a barn.

**Blue Oval** · 10-17-2011 08:14 AM

There was a windsurfer on the bay in TC this weekend. Pushing the limits for yourself is one thing, but when you include all the normal people who have to come looking for you, that stinks!

**Offshore Ginger** · 10-17-2011 08:23 AM

The guy that is missing here in Holland is my neighbor's son who owned P.W.C service ,and repair ...... very nice people .

**Ratickle** · 10-17-2011 08:32 AM

Originally Posted by Offshore Ginger

The guy that is missing here in Holland is my neighbor's son who owned P.W.C service ,and repair ...... very nice people .

I sure hope he makes it. Of the three, he seems to be the only one who has the equipment and experience to have a chance.

**rschap1** · 10-17-2011 09:18 AM

VERY sad

all accounts
A manager that I used to work with lived down that way(Holland area) and his son owned and operated a PWC service. Hope not the same.
Saw and HEARD the Coast Guard chopper go overhead yesterday. It was headed SE but made me wonder where they were going...

**Offshore Ginger** · 10-17-2011 09:42 AM

From what storm team 8 said today the wind is going to pick back up again to around 50 mph , and we all know what the big lake will be like . http://www.earthcam.com/usa/michigan.../lakemichigan/

**JJ Apache** · 10-17-2011 10:54 AM

This is so sad. It makes me want to cry..

**Flying Dutchman** · 10-17-2011 11:04 AM

So sad- thoughts and Prayers

**inbetween** · 10-17-2011 10:23 PM

Hoping for the best for all the missing.

Another Saturday story from Lake Erie: Coast Guard said these guys "had a right to be there".

http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-duck-hu...,5461831.story

**fund razor** · 10-18-2011 06:41 AM

Tells you something when the coast guard won't launch a boat, and sends a helicopter. BTW... A Helicopter from the Detroit Station ultimately sent a swimmer down and hoisted all four hunters to the helicopter.

The full context of Adam's "had a right to be there" quote from the local coast guard spokesman Bill Campbell, is that although they had a right to be out there, this isthe wrong time of year to underestimate Lake Erie, and that that people should "just monitor the weather, and if you see something like this today, maybe pick another weekend to go duck hunting."

**redhotsommer** · 10-18-2011 07:24 AM

Calling for 15-20 footers again tomorrow and Thursday.

**teamsynergy** · 10-18-2011 08:13 AM

Berrien County was out... my guess is that they need more big water training... http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headli...132025143.html

**Ratickle** · 10-18-2011 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by teamsynergy

Berrien County was out... my guess is that they need more big water training... http://www.wndu.com/localnews/headli...132025143.html

Read that and am laughing my azz off (Both guys are safe).......

Brand new boat, geeeezzzzzz

I think we should go apply for the jobs opening up......

**Blue Oval** · 10-18-2011 08:23 AM

The gentleman from Northport moved his sailbaot to the marina, then left his dingy on the buoy. He then went back out to diny with his canoe. Found the canoe, have not found him!

**teamsynergy** · 10-18-2011 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Blue Oval

The gentleman from Northport moved his sailbaot to the marina, then left his dingy on the buoy. He then went back out to diny with his canoe. Found the canoe, have not found him!

Would it not have been easier and safer to just tow the dingy with the snailboat??

**teamsynergy** · 10-18-2011 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by Ratickle

Read that and am laughing my azz off (Both guys are safe).......

Brand new boat, geeeezzzzzz

I think we should go apply for the jobs opening up......

No joke! I think that boat should have been able to handle those sea's no problem... most likley inexperienced drivers...

**rschap1** · 10-18-2011 10:51 AM

Wonder how long before another millage request is made

**Bobcat** · 10-18-2011 11:49 AM

Pretty expensive boat at $180,000.00

**Ratickle** · 10-18-2011 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by Bobcat

Pretty expensive boat at $180,000.00

Probably less now......

Thread: Unforgiving Lake Michigan, 3 Missing

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