In Kenosha, Wisconsin, authorities are in the process of recovering a boat that sank during the search for a diver who had gone missing in Lake Michigan. The search was underway for Patrick Kelly, a 72-year-old from Winthrop Harbor, Illinois, who did not resurface while diving near the wreck of the S.S. Wisconsin, approximately 6 miles off the coast of Pleasant Prairie. Kelly’s body was found on Wednesday as search and rescue operations ensued.
During the search and rescue efforts, the Kenosha County Fire and Rescue Association’s search boat began to take in water on Tuesday afternoon, around 4 miles from the shore as reported by WDJT-TV. Fortunately, other boats were able to rescue the eight crew members and salvage most of their equipment before the search boat eventually sank to the lake’s bottom, approximately 65 feet down.
Kenosha County officials have stated that collaboration with the state Department of Natural Resources is in progress to retrieve the sunken boat. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by search and rescue teams during missions in bodies of water like Lake Michigan.