Search continues for missing boater in Lake Michigan near Lake Forest: officials

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Rescue teams continued their search for a boater who went missing in Lake Michigan near Lake Forest Sunday afternoon.

The Lake Forest Fire Department was notified at 2:44 p.m. Sunday of the missing boater and responded to the Lake Forest Boat Launch, at 601 Forest Park Road.

The boater, a 43-year-old Lake Forest resident, was expected to meet a family member at the launch at 2 p.m. and was traveling on a 15-foot catamaran-style sailboat, but never returned, according to fire officials.

When crews arrived, they began a water rescue response, deploying a boat and requesting mutual aid from Highland Park and Libertyville.

Lake Forest fire officials also deployed a drone to aid in the search. They were able to locate the missing boat but could not determine if anyone was on board.

The water conditions in Lake Michigan were rough, with waves reaching between four to six feet, according to officials. 

Lake Forest also requested assistance from the Coast Guard.

Despite the efforts of multiple agencies, the water search was unsuccessful and was halted around 5:30 p.m. The Coast Guard continued to search by air until 7:30 p.m.

According to Lake Forest officials, family members of the boater reported that the individual was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident.

The Lake Forest Fire Department and the Lake County Sheriff's Marine Unit continued their search Monday morning.

This is a developing story and we'll bring more updates as they become available.