Passenger in Vessel #1 said they were going to go fishin at a creek along side of the road, then decided to go fishing on Little Whitefish Lake.  The rowboat, a 12' flat bottom boat, started to take on water, and the occupants were getting cold.  Temperature air was below freezing. They started paddling but the water was coming in too fast and boat began to sink.  They all decided to swim to shore, and tried to stay together.  At one point, one person kicked off their shoes to swim better.  He also said that victim had steel-toed boots.  They were swimming toward green lights.  Then victim said he could not go anymore.  He also said he was going in a different direction because it was shorter.  That was the last time they saw him.
Once on shore, the  2 passengers were taken care of by bystanders who herd their screams for help.  They were transported to the hospital with hypothermia.
A search of the lake was done, and a helicopter made several passes over the lake.  Also the shoreline was searched.  Private citizens kept searching via private boats but all unsuccessful.
Victim missing.  Boat sank.
Pierson Township              