Man still missing in St. Joseph River

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. – Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Dive team and Marine Division searched the St. Joseph River near Jasper Dairy Road where witnesses reported last seeing a man reported missing while canoeing.

Michael Scott of Kalamazoo, 35, went missing on Saturday while canoeing on the water with friends. His friends are in shock.

“He’s the most experienced guy I know on the water. He’s been kayaking, for as long as I – ten years probably… He is an amazing swimmer,” said his friend Apria Love-Raymond.

His friends are a part of the nearly 2,000 member group, Kalamazoo Paddle Club. Dozens of the club members have been searching for Scott on the water and shores since he’s been missing.

On Sunday advanced aerial drones and underwater drones were used to search the water, but were unable to find Scott.

The Great Lakes Drone Company volunteered their services, which it does for Public Safety when the crew is available.

They used thermal imaging during the search.

Officials say that the search was considered high risk due to fast flowing water and debris and visibility was low.

The Berrien County Dive team and the Department of Natural Resources aided in efforts to find Scott.

The search will continue on Monday morning at 8 a.m.

His friends and fellow club members want him found.

“Now we just want him found for his family, for his river family. All of us who have something to keep going with,” said Love-Raymond.