Michigan man drowns at Silver Beach Pier

ST. JOESPH, Mich. – A sad story coming out of St. Joseph, Michigan, and a warning for people who will be around water.

Police and dive team members are searching for a St. Joseph man who was swept off the Silver Beach Pier into Lake Michigan on Sunday.

Police say two men were out at the pier when the incident occurred. One man was able to get back to shore and throw a life saver to his friend.

However once he started pulling his friend back, the other man lost his grip and went back under water.

Michigan State Police have a warning for those planning to go out by the water.

“We have remind everybody that a lot of drowning occurs within in 6 feet of safety that could be a dock or near a boat,” said Michigan State Police Lt. Derrick Carroll. “So people have to remind themselves that even if you’re a strong swimmer there’s conditions out there especially with the cold water that could prevent you from being able to swim efficiently. ”

Lt. Carroll said to make sure when you’re out near water to carry a flotation device and have a buddy nearby.

The Berrien County dive team says they will continue their search until the remains are recovered.