Rip Current — Berrien, Michigan

2012-06-19 · Berrien, Michigan

Event narrative

Southerly winds created two to four foot waves along the lake-shore areas of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. A 26 year old male jumped off the south pier at Silver Beach into Lake Michigan. Eyewitnesses reported the man jumped into the water, yelled for help and went underwater. He was found about 90 minutes in roughly 7 feet of water near the pier. The man was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead. Local dive team and Coast Guard officials noted strong rip currents along the pier and the immediate area.

Wider weather episode

Southerly winds created two to four foot waves along the lake-shore areas of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. A 26 year old male jumped off the south pier at Silver Beach into Lake Michigan. Eyewitnesses reported the man belly-flopped into the water, yelled for help and went underwater. His body was recovered about 90 minutes later roughly 7 feet deep and near the pier.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 378398. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.