Minivan found submerged in Lake Michigan near South Shore Yacht Club

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee authorities discovered a minivan submerged in Lake Michigan Thursday night, July 19th.

The Milwaukee Fire Department responded to the scene around 11:30 p.m. When officials arrived they discovered a minivan submerged 15 feet under water off the Marina near the South Shore Yacht Club.

Authorities say the minivan appeared empty.

First responders searched the rocks, dive teams performed three search patterns, and a helicopter was also utilized in an effort to search for a possible occupant -- which officials did not find. Fire personnel say they did not find any signs that a person had been in the van.

"Milwaukee Fire Department sent dive members to investigate -- we did gain access to this minivan (and found nothing). As of this hour, we have not found any occupants. What we're going to be doing, is remove the van from the water, do a couple more searches, and the Milwaukee Police Department will be investigating," Milwaukee Fire Battalion Chief, Dan Holton said.

Investigators say according to witnesses, a woman was seen leaving the area after the van went into the water. There is no word if that woman has been questioned or arrested.

Police say they have no reason to believe anyone else was in the vehicle at the time of the accident, and believe no one else was in the water.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6NOw.com for updates on this developing story.