DNR: Weather hinders search for missing South Bend teen in Lake Michigan
Rahem Mason (Photo courtesy Indiana DNR)
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.—The Indiana DNR said Monday that rough water and high waves on Lake Michigan are hindering the search for missing South Bend teen Rahem Mason.
Divers from multiple agencies met Monday morning and decided that weather conditions were unsafe for diving operations. The DNR said waves were crashing over the pier as officials walked the area to visually search on Monday. A drone was launched into the area to search from the air.
Officers are considering the use of a sonar search by boat on Monday afternoon if the lake conditions are suitable.
Seventeen-year-old Mason disappeared underwater in Lake Michigan near Washington Park on Saturday evening around 7 p.m. Emergency crews responded to the scene within minutes, sending a U.S. Coast Guard boat and helicopter into the area. Scuba divers were unable to join the search due to high waves and currents. The search for Mason continued Sunday but was unsuccessful.
The Indiana DNR said the incident on Saturday took place after normal swimming hours and the water had been closed throughout the day due to dangerous waves and currents.