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| A 13-year-old Michigan City boy who disappeared while swimming near Washington Park Beach was recovered from Lake Michigan. |
The body of a 13-year-old boy from Michigan City, Indiana, was recovered from Lake Michigan on Wednesday morning after he disappeared while swimming near Washington Park Beach earlier this week. Authorities located the teen following a multi-day search that was complicated by dangerous water conditions and powerful currents.
Recovery Made Near Michigan City Lighthouse Pier
Rescue crews recovered the boy's body at approximately 7:45 a.m. on June 24 near the east side of the Michigan City Lighthouse Pier.
According to officials, dive teams located the victim in roughly 11 feet of water near the rocks surrounding the pier. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources confirmed the victim was a 13-year-old Michigan City resident, though his identity has not yet been publicly released.
Teen Disappeared While Swimming
The incident began Monday evening, June 22, when the boy was swimming with friends near Washington Park Beach.
Witnesses reported seeing the teen, who was wearing red shorts, enter the water before being caught in a strong current. He was last seen near the catwalk area before disappearing beneath the surface.
Emergency crews were called to the scene shortly after reports that the boy was missing in the water.
Dangerous Conditions Hampered Search
At the time of the incident, hazardous beach conditions were affecting the Lake Michigan shoreline.
A National Weather Service beach hazards statement was in effect, warning of dangerous waves and potentially life-threatening rip currents. Officials reported wave heights ranging from four to six feet during the initial search efforts.
The severe conditions made rescue operations difficult and increased the risks faced by emergency responders.
Search Temporarily Suspended
The multi-agency search was suspended Monday night and remained paused through much of Tuesday due to safety concerns.
Authorities said rough water conditions prevented divers from safely entering the lake. During the initial response, four rescue divers suffered minor injuries after strong currents pushed them into rocks near the pier. Several received medical treatment before being released.
Community Assisted Recovery Effort
Local volunteers joined the search alongside law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Volunteer divers, boat operators, and drone teams assisted authorities in the effort to locate the missing teen. Their support continued throughout the search until conditions improved enough for official dive teams to resume operations.
The recovery brings a tragic end to a search that drew widespread community attention in Michigan City.
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