An angler was fishing from his boat just down from the Tippy Dam on the Manistee River near Wellston, Michigan on Monday, May 1, 2023. Later that afternoon bank fishermen noticed the boat was empty and the man was no longer seen anywhere and reported it. Crews searched for two days before find his body down river late Tuesday evening.
The identity of the man has not yet been released but they reported he was 49 years old from Gladwin.
“At this time, we believe this incident is an accidental drowning, and we have no reason to believe there is any foul play involved,” the sheriff’s office reported in their statement.
“It is extremely important and required, that boaters wear Life Jackets while on the water,” advised Raphael Washington, the Wayne County Sherriff. “I encourage the use of engine cut-off devices in case of an emergency. I also want to remind boaters that it is against the law to boat under the influence in Michigan, and boaters should remain aware of carbon monoxide exposure.”
Please if you’re going to anchor near a dam, where a life jacket at all times. Abrupt disruption of currents can cause shifting in these conditions and a life jacket would have likely saved another angler’s life here. And if you’re unsure where to start, please read our guide on choosing the proper lifejacket.
