Police responded to a 911 call of a distressed swimmer in Lake Michigan around 6 p.m. Friday night, according to Lincoln Charter Township Police reports.
A 26-year-old Timothy Horvath of Chicago, was caught in the current in Lake Michigan in the 7200 block of Waverland Path. Responding units could not locate any sign of him.
The man has been staying at a nearby seasonal residence along with two friends, brothers Sean and Robert Finnerman of Lincolnwood . They decided to take a small rubber raft several yards out on the lake of the private beach. The three became separated from the raft due to high waves and heavy winds. The brothers were able to follow the raft back to shore but the missing man was caught in the current.
Local area police and fire departments were activated along with the Berrien County water rescue and US Coast Guard station in Saint Joseph.
Due to very high winds and rip currents, rescue efforts were limited. Firefighters from Lake Township and Bridgman units requested ambulance assistance after attempting to enter the lake. The extent of injuries is unknown.
A rip current advisory issued by the National Weather Service is in effect through Sunday.
Police and fire department personnel continue to search for the body of Horvath, who they presumed drowned.
The incident remains under investigation, pending recovery or location of the victim and verification that his next of kin have been notified of the incident.
