Authorities searching for missing boater in Lake Michigan near Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Authorities are searching for a missing boater in Lake Michigan near Lake Forest.

The Lake Forest Fire Department said just before 2:45 p.m. Sunday, crews were sent to the Lake Forest Boat Launch – located in the 600 block of Forest Park Road – to investigate reports of a missing boater in Lake Michigan.

The missing boater was sailing a 15-foot catamaran style sailboat and was expected to meet a family member at the boat launch at 2 p.m., but never showed up, according to investigators.

The family member then called Lake Forest Police to report the missing boater.

Authorities launched a rescue boat and requested mutual aid resources from the Highland Park and Libertyville fire departments. In addition to deploying a rescue boat, the Lake Forest Fire Department also deployed a drone, which was able to find the missing vessel.

However, authorities did not see anyone on board.

Officials added waves reached four to six feet, complicating the search. Because of this, Lake Forest officials called the U.S. Coast Guard for additional support and a Coast Guard helicopter and boat were also sent to the scene to help with search efforts.

Rescuers received information that the boater’s cellphone pinged closer to Glencoe Beach and the Wilmette and Evanston fire departments were then asked to help search.

Wilmette and Evanston launched their rescue boats as well, but despite efforts from multiple agencies, the search was stopped at around 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Coast guard helicopters have taken over the search by air. The boat has been recovered, but the boater remains missing, according to investigators.

The family member also confirmed to authorities that the boater was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident.

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