Overview
- Witnesses reported a child wearing red shorts entered the water at Washington Park Beach and vanished beneath the surface during Monday evening.
- Michigan City Fire Department, Michigan City Police, Indiana DNR and LaPorte County EMS launched a multi-agency search using specialized divers, a charter boat and drones.
- Three MCFD divers were taken to the hospital for evaluation and a DNR diver was treated on scene after all four sustained injuries during the operation.
- Officials suspended dive operations about 10:44 p.m. because high waves, strong currents and low underwater visibility put responders at risk and said any restart depends on improved conditions.
- The National Weather Service had warned of dangerous waves and life‑threatening currents for Lake Michigan and regional data show higher drowning counts this year, prompting authorities to urge people to heed posted warnings.