SOUTH HAVEN, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jul. 4, 2026) – Nine persons were rescued from the waters of Lake Michigan off of South Haven on Friday afternoon.
According to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, a vessel reported being “in distress” near North Beach around 3:30 PM. This was during a Thunderstorm Warning” for the area issued by the National Weather Service Office in Grand Rapids, due to “torrential rain, powerful winds, dangerous lightning, and large waves”
The boat had suffered “a complete loss of power,” along with “all steering and motor controls, leaving it unable to maneuver, while drifting dangerously near the shoreline. Responding deputies with the sheriff’s office Marine Division, along with the Allegan County Sheriff Marine Patrol and South Haven Area Emergency Services, were able to rescue all nine passengers on board, and safely brought them to the South Side Marina, where they were checked out by emergency personnel and given a clean bill of health. No first responders were reportedly injured, and the disabled vessel was towed away from the shoreline.
“Lake Michigan can become extremely dangerous in a matter of minutes. Our Marine Patrol deputies knowingly entered violent weather conditions to protect the lives of others. Their training, professionalism, and dedication, along with the assistance of our partners from Allegan County and SHAES, ensured all nine passengers made it home safely.” – Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott
The incident remains under investigation.
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