Sheboygan Lake Michigan missing man search 'called off'

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. - A search in Sheboygan to locate a missing man, 26, who possibly jumped from the north break wall into Lake Michigan on Memorial Day was "called off" Wednesday, June 1.

According to the man's family, he was last seen running down the break wall with the intent of jumping into the water. 

The search was initially called off Monday night due to lake and weather conditions. The same happened on Tuesday. 

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First responders were back Wednesday, searching from above and below, looking for any signs of the missing Sheboygan man. 

"On Memorial Day around 10:30 at night, our 911 center got a report of a male who ran down the pier and jumped in the water and never came back," said Assistant Fire Chief Michael Lubbert. 

Lubbert said crews searched the waters until 2 a.m., but conditions became too dangerous for divers. Tuesday’s conditions were also hazardous.

"There’s undercurrents you don’t see, and those currents push our divers back into the wall or the rocks," said Lubbert. "We have to take all of that into consideration, considering their safety."

Lubbert said water conditions finally improved Wednesday, which is why they were able to expand the search.

"We have the Milwaukee Fire Department up here with sonar on their boat, the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office has a sonar on their boat," said Lubbert. "We have the Department of Natural Resources – has a drone in the water." 

Their focus Wednesday was the area of water on the other side of a rock wall. Late Wednesday afternoon, the assistant chief said the search was "called off" with no plans to return Thursday. Lubbert said the missing man's family was informed of that decision and said crews exhausted search efforts, not locating the man. 

"The lake is dangerous," said Lubbert. "It’s a big body of water. If they say not to swim, don’t go in. Don’t ever swim by yourself." 

Lubbert said safety should be top of mind with summer fast approaching.

"If somebody is ever in danger, don’t try and go get them," said Lubbert. "Call 911 call for help right away. Stay at that point where you see that person. If you have something you can reach them with, try to reach them. Throw them something they can float in, but really, the lake is dangerous."