Douglas - The search for a child who was swimming in Lake Michigan ended this morning. Divers found the body of 10-year-old Luke Laudolff of Batavia, Illinois. The boy disappeared in the water off Douglas Beach.
The father tells investigators that he and his three sons were swimming in Lake Michigan when a large wave hit them. Two of the boys resurfaced and Luke did not.
The United States Coast Guard says at times, waves were up to 8 feet high as they searched for the boy. Closer to shore, conditions weren't much better. Rescue divers had to fight high waves, strong winds, and rip currents. Chief Petty Officer Matthew Draper says, "Putting your child in water when waves are that high, I'd recommend a lifejacket." Draper says people need to survey the water before they go swimming. Common sense always plays into it."
In Grand Haven, the day after, Lake Michigan is calm. Dale Thornbury is vacationing from Metro Detroit. He heard about the recent drowning and is keeping an eye on the water. He says, "We've got kids that age and we were out here yesterday. It could have happened to us.? Thornbury says they noticed the changes in the conditions. The flag system is now green, but yesterday, "It started out yellow, and turned to red and you get a little more cautious," says Thornbury. On Douglas Beach, there is no flag system. That means, people have to use their own judgment about whether or not to go swimming. The US Coast Guard says people underestimate the power of Lake Michigan. When the waves get big, it's best, to stay out. The coast guard says the water got so rough last night that several boats had to turn around and head back in.
The Lake Express ferry in Muskegon also canceled it's evening run, stranding passengers in Milwaukee.
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