COPPER HARBOR, Mich. (WZMQ) – Keweenaw County law enforcement and area rescue teams have recovered the bodies of two people who were reported missing in a canoeing accident.
On Saturday, June 28, the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office responded to a water emergency in Copper Harbor around 3:50 a.m. According to press releases posted to the official Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, three individuals were canoeing when their vessel capsized. One person was able to get to shore and contact 911.
Multiple agencies immediately responded alongside the Sheriff’s Office, including Keweenaw Search and Rescue, Copper Harbor Fire, the Michigan DNR, the Michigan State Police dive team, and the U.S. Coast Guard, which provided helicopter support. The organizations worked together to locate the other two people who were on the canoe.
On Saturday evening, officials located and recovered the body of one of the two missing individuals. Search and recovery efforts for the other individual continued through the next day.
Just before 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release stating that the body of the other individual had been located and recovered.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and loved ones affected by this tragic event,” officials wrote. “We ask that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.
The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office thanks the community for its support and cooperation throughout the challenging recovery effort.