Man swept into Lake Superior near Marquette
Search crews are preparing to look for a 60-year-old man after high waves pulled him off the Black Rocks formation.
By Abigail Brooks ·
A 60-year-old man was pulled into Lake Superior on Thursday afternoon near the Black Rocks formation in Marquette. Witnesses reported the incident occurred just before 3 p.m. during a period of high winds and large waves.
The U.S. Coast Guard identified the missing person as a male. Police stated that the last confirmed sighting showed him being pulled south by currents out of the Black Rocks cove. First responders arrived at Presque Isle Park and checked the immediate area but could not locate him.
A Gale Warning was active for the lake at the time. Forecasts called for waves as high as 17 feet. The water conditions were too rough for an immediate search. Authorities said a search would begin as soon as the lake conditions allowed safe operations.
Black Rocks is a popular spot for visitors during the summer. People often stand on the high rock formations to jump into the water below. During storms, the site also attracts people who want to watch large waves break against the shoreline.
Marquette Fire Department officials issued a statement after the incident. They described the event as a harsh reminder of the lake's power. Fire officials advised the public to stay away from the shore during stormy conditions.
"Do not underestimate this lake," fire officials said. They noted that manageable waves from shore can quickly become life-threatening. "No picture, adventure, or moment is worth your life," they added.
This is not the first time someone has been swept off Black Rocks during a storm. In October 2017, police used divers and sonar-equipped boats to search for two people. Robert Anderson, 53, and Sarah Hall, 37, were both from Iron River. On that day, waves were nearly 30 feet tall and wind gusts topped 75 mph.
