On 6-18-12 two individuals were out on lake michigan in a small 2 person inflatable raft. The two individuals were intending to use the raft near shore in shallow water. There were very windy conditions on this date along the shoreline. A strong southwest wind pushed the raft out into deep, choppy waters. The individuals attempted to row back to shore and could not overcome the wind. One individual exited the raft and attempted to pull the raft with a rope towards shore. This individual became exhausted and cold and attempted to get back into the raft. While attempting to get into the raft the raft flipped over ejecting the other occupant into the water. A strong gust of wind blew the raft away from them and they could not gain access to it again. Both subjects swam towards shore. A witness on the beach swam out and pushed one of the individuals towards shore to where they could stand on the sandbar. The other individual went missing under the water. The subject was last seen at least 600 feet from shore. Neither of individuals were wearing a life jacket.
Beverly Shores                