Iosco County Sheriff Scott Frank released an updated statement about the victim:
IOSCO COUNTY – The Iosco County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a missing person and presumed drowning in Lake Huron, approximately six miles offshore from Dyer Road in Alabaster Township.
According to a statement from Iosco County Sheriff Scott Frank, initial reports of a missing boater were received by Arenac County Central Dispatch Oct. 15 at approximately 11:17 a.m. At that time, it was reported that a 36-year-old male from Florida had been seen in the water near a small capsized boat.
The Arenac County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Coast Guard responded to the area of the Iosco County / Arenac County line and began search and rescue operations. During the response, it was determined that the incident likely occurred in Iosco County waters.
At approximately 1:29 p.m., Iosco County Central Dispatch deployed the Tawas City Dive Team, the Oscoda Township Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team, and area law enforcement to the Dyer Road area near the Iosco County / Arenac County line.
The statement said the missing 36-year-old male had been attempting to return from shore.
The captain of a 40-foot cabin cruiser saw the boat overturn and partially sink. The occupant then observed the male in Lake Huron before losing sight of him.
No personal flotation devices or lifejackets were worn by, or available to, the male subject.
An on-water search and rescue operation was conducted Oct. 15 but was suspended at approximately 6:30 p.m. after proving unsuccessful.
The Michigan State Police Marine Services resumed search and recovery operations. The incident remains under investigation, and efforts to locate the missing male are ongoing.
The Iosco County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Arenac County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Coast Guard, the Tawas City Police Department, the Tawas City Dive Team, the Oscoda Township Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team, the Michigan State Police Marine Services Unit, Iosco County Emergency Medical Services, and Iosco County Central Dispatch.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Undersheriff McNichol at 989-362-6164.
