Hubers said the search took about two hours, with the Coast Guard helicopter searching the water and the Frankfurt fire department searching the shore. A follow-up search on the beach was carried out by the Frankfurt Police Department today.

“A caller thought he saw someone come out of the pier,” Hubers said. “There were other people near the beach who said they saw several kiteboarders there, but the kiteboarders left the beach before we arrived. We were unable to confirm that anyone entered the water from the jetty.

Hubers said that although there was no confirmation that anyone had entered the water from the jetty, first responders still searched out of caution.

“We treat every call as if it happened,” he said. “Lake Michigan was angry; the water was really whipping.

Hubers said the Coast Guard helicopter crew were already on a training mission when they responded.

While people still cross the Frankfurt Pier in the winter, the U.S. Army Corpse of Engineers warns that the pier structures on the Great Lakes become more dangerous during the winter months.

“The US Army Corps of Engineers calls for caution around Great Lakes piers, breakwaters and jetties, especially during times of high winds and waves,” read the website. ‘Army Corps. “Many accidents and incidents near port structures occur during the turbulent weather season at the end of the year and above normal water levels pose an additional threat. The shores of the lake attract both local residents and visitors and some may not be aware of the powerful impacts that strong winds, storms and high water levels can have.

Earlier this year, the city of Frankfurt installed several lights on the beach to warn visitors and residents of dangerous weather conditions that could make crossing the pier or swimming risky. These lights are not active in winter.

According to the Great Lakes Surf and Rescue Project, 38 people drowned in Lake Michigan in 2021, along with two others in unknown condition after drowning.