Rescue Crews Expand Search For Missing Swimmer

CLAY TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - The search ramping up for a missing swimmer.

The 24-year-old Capac man has been missing since about 8 p.m. Sunday after he jumped into the water along with a group of friends who were on their way to Harsens Island Yacht Club.

Lieutenant Justin Westmiller of the U.S .Coast Guard said a total of five swimmers jumped off the boat, but only four of them returned.

After an unsuccessful search for the swimmer, Lieutenant Westmiller says the search is being expanded to include the southern half of the South Channel, the seaway cut and in Canadian waters off Bassett Island.

"We've actually been searching the whole night," Westmiller told WWJ Newsradio 950's Terri Lee.

"And, we're bringing in additional resources just to help us cover additional areas, to make sure that we make the best of ever area we can possible search for the gentleman that we're looking for," he said.

Along with the Coast Guard, members of the St. Clair County Sheriff, Clay Township Fire and Rescue, Algonac Fire and Rescue, Canadian Coast Guard and St. Clair County Dive Team have been participating in the search.  A fresh crew arrived at daybreak to assist in the effort.

The missing swimmer's name has not been released.

Stay with WWJ for the latest.