ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The Saint Joseph County Fire Territory announced crews responded to Chain Lake for a reported watercraft in distress and possibly sinking.

Crews arrived and launched a boat to reach the vessel.

Fire officials say after a thorough check, no occupants were found, and it was determined the boat had been intentionally stripped and abandoned in the middle of the lake.

Officials believe this to be an apparent attempt to dispose of an old watercraft.

Crews were able to remove the boat from the lake and prevent further hazards to the lake or boaters.

The incident was turned over to the St. Joseph County Police Department for further investigation.

Fire officials are reminding the public that dumping watercraft or any debris in public waterways is not only dangerous but illegal.