Small boat washes ashore at Tiscornia Park in St. Joseph

By: Tyler Sebree

Posted: Feb 27, 2020 9:32 AM EST

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- The record high water levels on Lake Michigan combined with strong northwest winds and large waves have washed a fishing boat ashore in St. Joseph.

Large waves crashing into the lighthouses in St. Joseph on February 27th. Nathan Voytovick

Nathan Voytovick was out filming the waves along the beach at Tiscornia Park early Thursday morning when we saw the boat.

LARGE WAVES:

Record high water levels and strong northwesterly winds have created some powerful waves in St. Joseph, Michigan. They are easily washing over the piers! ???

?: Nathan Voytovick | #MIwx #INwx #LakeMichigan pic.twitter.com/t9M1c42GkR
— Tyler Sebree (@TylerABC57) February 27, 2020

After looking it over, Voytovick says the boat was registered nearly 20 years ago back in 2001!

A fishing boat that washed ashore at Tiscornia Park on February 27th. Nathan Voytovick

He says he's seen many types of debris wash up along Lake Michigan, but never a boat. And when you look at the photos, you can clearly see other large debris that the high lake levels and large waves have brought ashore.

Anything from sticks and other "lake debris" to logs and large tree branches can be found along the beaches of Berrien County.

Location of the fishing boat that washed ashore.

The same can probably be said for all beaches along Lake Michigan. Unfortunately, the record or near-record lake levels are expected to continue through the spring and perhaps the remainder of the year.

First Warning Neighborhood Weather