Search crews recover body of teenage boy from Lake Michigan, search for second postponed
HOLLAND, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Search crews have recovered the body of one of two teenage boys from Holland that were presumed drowned.
The U.S. Coast Guard ended its search for the teens earlier today.
Police say they disappeared in Lake Michigan last night at Holland State Park.
It may look like a nice beach day, but authorities say the waves are dangerous today. They're saying stay out of the water--especially in light of the two teens who were pulled under the waves last night.
Police say 17-year-old Christopher Mimis and 14-year-old Vincent Green drowned last night swimming in Lake Michigan during dangerous conditions. At 4:00 p.m. Thursday, a diver recovered Green's body.
"We are in the process of trying to confirm the identity of the body that we have recovered. Efforts are continuing. We're continuing the search for the second," Captain John Wolffis, with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department told Newschannel 3 shortly after the recovery.
The body was since identified as Green's.
"Nothing more horrible than that," said Ben Herson, of Kalamazoo, who was at the beach with his family.
Herson says his family is staying out of the water.
"We just stuck our toes in the water. It's a little cold anyway so I don't think in going in the water. Even if the red flags weren't out there," he said.
With waves predicted to reach up to eight feet high today, authorities say it's too dangerous to go into the water. The red flags are out and a red flag means don't swim.
"We say star clear of the pier when it's a red flag day. Stay off them. Especially with the water height as high as it is now," said Sean Mulligan, with Holland State Park.
Mulligan is the unit supervisor the park. He urged people to avoid the water on days like today. But if you do happen to find yourself in a strong current--don't swim against it.
"Flip over on your back so you make sure you get your mouth out of the water. Fill your lungs with air so you make sure and float. Try to stay relaxed and just follow current," he said.
Police continued searching for the remaining missing teen until around 6 p.m., at which point they determined that rough water would make it too difficult to continue.
They will likely resume their search Friday morning.
We'll keep you updated with the latest on this story.
