Dangerous waves and rip currents turned the rescue effort treacherous, sending three divers to the hospital as crews searched for a missing young swimmer

By Brandon Champion
mlive.com

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — A search is underway after a child went missing in Lake Michigan.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, numerous agencies responded to the Michigan City lighthouse pier at approximately 5:43 p.m. on Monday after receiving reports that a young swimmer could not be found.

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First responders began searching the surrounding waters, but efforts were complicated by hazardous lake conditions, including 4- to 6‑foot waves.

At the time of the incident, the National Weather Service had issued both a beach hazard statement and a small craft advisory due to strong winds, waves and dangerous rip currents.

During the course of the response, three divers from the Michigan City Fire Department were injured and taken to a local hospital.

Due to deteriorating lake conditions and darkness, the search was suspended before resuming Tuesday morning.

Assisting agencies included the Michigan City Police Department, Michigan City Fire Department and the Long Beach Police Department.

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The department’s transition to Pierce custom chassis pumpers reflects a commitment to firefighter safety, operational efficiency and apparatus built specifically for urban fire service demands