Operator/Victim paddled in kayak out into Lake Michigan from the New Buffalo Harbor and capsized in the 10-foot waves.  Operator eventually passed out and slipped from his life vest.  Body has not been recovered.

(From a Case Report from the USCG: Berrien County Sheriff Office contacted USCG Sta Michigan City that 3 kayakers were in distress at the New Buffalo Beach Park, near north Pierhead.  New Buffalo Police and Fire Department responded together with the Berrien County Sheriff Department.  All rescue personnel were unable to recover 18-yr old using rescue lines from the breakwall and extra PFDs before he slipped out of his personal flotation device and was last seen going under the surface.  Air Station Traverse City was briefed, Canadian Royal Air Force Rescue 319 arrived.  The accident happened about 10 yards from the breakwall.
Air Station Detroit conducted a first light search, with no signs of the individual.  Local authorities conducted a search of the breakwall.  USCG searched the area with no signs of the missing individual. Small boats could not be launched because of 10-12-foot waves. The other two kayakers, one had made it safe onto the breakwall.  The other was rescued from the water.)

City of New Buffalo           