Michigan City, IN- Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the disappearance of 17 year old South Bend resident Rahem Mason in Lake Michigan.
At approximately 7:07 p.m. Saturday evening, Indiana Conservation Officers Central Dispatch Center received a report of a possible drowning in Lake Michigan in the area of Washington Park. Witnesses observed Rahem go under the surface and did not see him above surface again.
Within minutes, Michigan City Firefighters arrived on scene and began to manually search the water. High waves and currents prevented a search by scuba divers. A United States Coast Guard vessel immediately responded and searched the area by boat. Additionally a United States Coast Guard helicopter conducted a search by air.
Initial search efforts were unsuccessful and have resumed this morning. The incident occurred after normal swimming hours and the water had been closed throughout the day due to dangerous waves and currents. Any questions regarding Washington Park’s rules and regulations should be referred to the Michigan City Police Department.
Assisting agencies included: Michigan City Police Department, Michigan City Fire Department, Michigan City Police Chaplains, Long Beach Police Department, United States Coast Guard, LaPorte County EMS, LaPorte County Dispatch Center and The Red Cross.
