UPDATE:
The body of the second person missing after a canoe mishap early Saturday in Copper Harbor has been recovered.
The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the recovery late Sunday evening.
Identities of the victims are not being released, and the Sheriff’s office requests continued respect for the privacy of the families involved.
The Sheriff’s Department again expressed thanks to the community for supporting the effort over the weekend, including Keweenaw Search and Rescue, the Copper Harbor Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Michigan State Police dive team, the Michigan DNR, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and local area restaurants and businesses who donated food and supplies.
UPDATE SUNDAY MORNING:
Efforts are set to resume today to find the body of a canoeist who is believed to have drowned in Copper Harbor early Saturday.
The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Department reports that three individuals were canoeing when their vessel capsized. One was able to swim to shore, and contacted 911 at approximately 3:50 am to report the mishap.
Multiple agencies immediately responded, including the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Keweenaw Search and Rescue, Copper Harbor Fire, U.S. Coast Guard (with helicopter support), Michigan DNR, and the Michigan State Police dive team.
As of Saturday evening, the body of one of the two missing individuals had been located and recovered.
Search and recovery efforts for the remaining individual were suspended for the night because of safety and operational considerations. Recovery operations were scheduled to resume this morning, with the continued support of all partner agencies.
The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Department continues to urge the public to avoid the area, and respect the privacy of the families involved. The department also thanked all the personnel and partner agencies that have assisted.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
You can also follow the situation on the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Department Facebook Page.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Rescuers continue to search for two people missing after a “water emergency” in Copper Harbor.
Keweenaw County Sheriff’s deputies were called out around 3:50 Saturday morning.
Sheriff deputies were joined in the effort by Keweenaw Search and Rescue, the Copper Harbor Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard with helicopter support, and the Michigan State Police dive team.
A release from the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s office did not detail what the “water emergency” entailed. It said that crews were “working diligently to bring closure to the families affected by this tragic incident.”
Officials are also asking the public to avoid the area, to allow rescue workers to operate safely and efficiently, and to respect the privacy of the families involved.
Further information will be posted as it becomes available. You can also look for updates on the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Department Facebook Page.
