Investigators are searching for a missing canoer

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Officials are searching for a man who was reported missing while canoeing on July 21.

The incident happened on the St. Joseph River near the Jasper Dairy Boat Launch in Royalton Township.

At approximately 6:47 p.m. July 21, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a missing kayaker on the river.

The sheriff's office's Marine Division conducted a search of the St. Joseph River where they managed to locate the canoe but no one was located.

The missing canoer is presumed to be a 35-year-old male from the Kalamazoo, Michigan area.

The Marine Dive Team and Marine Division will be continuing a search of the St. Joseph River and surrounding area.

The search continued July 22 with two search and rescue boats carrying six divers.

Rescuers say the search is complicated due to several factors including bogged trees along the riverfront.

Authorities don't believe weather was a factor at this time and it's unknown if the man was wearing a life jacket.

22 members from the Kalamazoo Paddle Club have volunteered to aid in the search.

Agencies involved in the search include the BCSO, the BCSO Dive Team and the BCSO Marine Division.