Search for two missing men in Lake Michigan after jumping from a boat near Hammond, Indiana, is called off

HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) – Officials said water rescuers were searching for two men missing in Lake Michigan after several people jumped from a boat to swim in northwest Indiana Friday afternoon.

The search was suspended for the evening and will resume Saturday morning, authorities told ABC7.

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The wind certainly played a role and the water temperature is barely 21 degrees.

According to authorities, there were 12 people on the boat around 2:30 p.m. when a man jumped out to go for a swim. That person was struggling to stay afloat, so two others jumped in to help.

“Due to the wind and waves, all three people became separated from the boat and began to drift in the water,” said Indiana Conservation Officer Alex Neel.

According to police, the third person to jump in was the only one wearing a life jacket. He was later rescued by the Coast Guard, treated and released from a nearby hospital.

The other two men are still missing. ABC7 was told one of the men is from Elk Grove Village and the other is from Mt. Prospect.

Police said they do not suspect foul play and do not believe alcohol played a role; it was simply due to the dangerous water conditions. They ask everyone to check weather forecasts before heading out onto Lake Michigan.

Rescue workers will resume the search for the missing men on Saturday morning.