Nine boaters were safely rescued from a disabled vessel during a severe thunderstorm warning in Lake Michigan.
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, whose marine patrol led the rescue, said the rescue effort about 3:30 p.m. Friday happened amid a severe thunderstorm warning over Lake Michigan. The conditions included torrential rain, powerful winds, dangerous lightning and large waves.
Marine patrol units from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and Allegan County Sheriff’s Office rescued nine boaters from a disabled vessel on July 3, 2026, during stormy conditions on Lake Michigan.Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office
The boat in distress was in the area of North Beach in South Haven. The vessel had experienced a complete loss of power, including steering and motor controls, deputies said. That meant those aboard were unable to maneuver the boat as it drifted toward a dangerous stretch of the shoreline.
Marine patrol deputies responded in a rescue boat amid the storm.
All nine passengers were brought ashore to South Side Marina, where they were checked by South Haven Area Emergency Services. No serious injuries were reported.
After the passengers were safe, the disabled vessel was secured and later towed away from the shoreline.
