Rip Current — Berrien, Michigan

2010-09-03 · Berrien, Michigan

Event narrative

Three gentlemen went into the water off a private beach near Bridgman with a small rubber raft. The swimmers became separated from the raft, but two managed to return to it. Witnesses observed a rip current take a 26 year old male out further into the water. Numerous agencies attempted to look for the gentleman, but waves as high as 14 to 16 feet forced a cessation of the search. A fire department water-rescue craft was capsized in the rough water. The firefighters were able to right the craft and get out of the water. All four were treated for extreme exhaustion and water inhalation at a nearby hospital and released. The body was found by Cook Nuclear Plant officials along their shores around 7:30 am EDT September 8th, about a half mile north of where the man entered the water.

Wider weather episode

Strong northwest winds created dangerous conditions on far southeastern Lake Michigan. Waves as high as 16 feet caused extremely strong rip currents, one of which resulted in the drowning of a 26 year old man from Chicago. Four rescuers were also injured.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 248257. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.