The search continues for a kayaker in the western U.P. missing since Friday.
Negaunee Central Dispatch received a call Friday at about 2:15pm eastern time with a report of an upside-down kayak on Lake Superior in Ontonagon Township near the Firesteel River area. A local resident had observed a kayaker paddling out onto the lake at approximately 1:00pm and later observed that kayak was upside down. State Police from the Wakefield post and the Coast Guard were dispatched to the area to co-ordinate search effort. Officials say the missing kayaker is believed to be 74-year-old Dale Albert Venema from Ontonagon.
Agencies assisting with the search effort are the Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan DNR, and the US Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Service.The Ontonagon Harbor Master, employees of the Village of Ontonagon, and several residents have also aided in the search. The Michigan State Police Dive Team was also contacted to assist. Search efforts continued through the weekend and remain ongoing.
