MUSKEGON, Mich. — Three men were swept off a pier in Musekgon and into Lake Michigan yesterday, and authorities are still trying to recover one man after two of the men returned to shore.
On Nov. 15 at 10:12 p.m., first responders from the Muskegon fire and police departments were dispatched to the south breakwall at Pere Marquette Park, at 1600 Beach St., on a report of subjects being swept off the pier into Lake Michigan, according to the City of Muskegon Department of Public Safety today.
Officers located two men who reported they had been on the pier with a third man. They said high winds gusts and large waves swept them into the lake.
The first two men "got themselves out of the lake" and called 911.
Officers located a man clinging to rocks on the north side of the south breakwall. Firefighters, working from off the pier and by boat, made numerous attempts to rescue the victim: 29-year-old Lance Jenkins of Fruitport Township.
The Muskegon Department of Public Safety said winds gusting over 50 mph and 8-12-foot waves prevented the rescue. A United States Coast Guard helicopter assisted in searching for the victim.
The rescue was called off due to conditions after "several hours of attempts and searching."
Recovery operations will continue with Coast Guard flight operations, and divers will be sent in "once conditions safely allow."
The Muskegon Fire Department was assisted by officials from several other agencies: North Muskegon Fire; Muskegon Heights Fire; Norton Shores Fire; and Muskegon Township Fire.
