One Missing After Falling Off Shelf Ice On Lake Michigan
A search is underway after a man went missing this afternoon in Lake Michigan.
At approximately 5:30 PM, responders were dispatched to West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park reference a person in the water, according to Indiana Conservation Officers.
Once on scene, responders learned that five people had entered onto shelf ice along the shoreline when it began to crack. The group began to retreat to shore when one person fell into the water.
Members of the party attempted to reach their friend, but the large waves and unstable ice hindered their efforts.
Indiana Conservation Officers along with Portage Fire Department, Porter Fire Department, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Ogden Dunes Fire Department, Indiana Dunes National Park Rangers and United State Coast Guard all responded to the scene and are currently searching.
The identity of the missing person is being withheld pending family notification.
Indiana Conservation Officers urge the public to stay off shelf ice along Lake Michigan as it can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous.
UPDATE – First responder crews have been searching the shoreline Tuesday morning with no results. A DNR Sonar boat is enroute but current waves / weather conditions will be deteriorating through the day. Currently crews are dealing with 3-5 foot waves crashing around the shelf ice.
Conservation Officers will continue to search until he is found when conditions become safer.
The missing man’s identity was released by Indiana Conservation Officers Tuesday. He’s been identified as Bryce Dunfee, 22, of Indianapolis.
