A swimmer faced setbacks during his attempt to cross Lake Michigan as two lost batteries disrupted his journey on the third day. Jim Dreyer, aged 60, was rescued after swimming 60 miles on his way from Michigan to Wisconsin. He realized he had been swimming in the wrong direction all day without a functioning GPS device, leaving him disoriented and far from his intended route. Dreyer had departed Grand Haven on Tuesday with the goal of reaching Wisconsin but was informed by a support boat that he had been swimming northward instead of westward.
Disheartened by the turn of events, Dreyer expressed his frustration online, lamenting the setback that had extended his journey by an additional 47 miles. He described feeling mentally fatigued and experiencing hallucinations as he contemplated the remaining distance to Milwaukee. Despite estimating the need for a few more days to reach his destination, challenging weather conditions with forecasted 9-foot waves made success uncertain.
Referred to as The Shark, Dreyer had previously crossed Lake Michigan in 1998, completing the journey from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan. However, multiple attempts to replicate his feat since last summer have been thwarted by various obstacles. During his recent endeavor, Dreyer was towing an inflatable boat carrying essential supplies. Unfortunately, the setback occurred when he lost a bag containing fresh AA batteries needed to power his GPS device on the second day of the journey.
Left with only a wrist compass and natural elements to guide him, Dreyer acknowledged responsibility for the mishap, admitting it was a mistake to misplace the batteries. The experienced swimmer expressed disappointment at the turn of events, recognizing the significant impact it had on his challenging feat. Despite the setback, Dreyer’s determination to conquer Lake Michigan remains evident, reflecting on the adversity he faced during his most recent endeavor.
