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HAMLIN TOWNSHIP — Emergency crews continue to search for a 68-year-old Mason County man presumed to have drowned in Hamlin Lake while fishing on a boat Wednesday evening, Sept. 2.
At 6:23 p.m., rescuers were notified of a water emergency north/east of Wilson Hill Park on Hamlin Lake, said Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole. “The caller reported hearing a subject yelling for help, and a small, unoccupied boat driving in circles. The caller, a fellow boater, went to the area and reported no longer hearing anyone nor could they see anyone in the water.”
Mason County sheriff’s deputies, Michigan DNR conservation officers, Hamlin Township firefighters and Life EMS personnel all responded to the area, and a search began immediately.
“Divers with the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team searched until midnight, with negative results,” said Sheriff Cole.
“The boat was recovered, and evidence found in the boat would suggest the person was likely fishing when he fell out of the boat and was unable to get back in.”
Searchers and divers were planning to be back on Hamlin Lake Thursday at 7 a.m. to continue recovery efforts.
The Mason County Victim Services Unit assisted off-scene with family notifications, said Sheriff Cole.
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