Missing boater found safe on land after search in Lake Michigan
RACINE - A boater who was reported missing off Wind Point in Racine County was reportedly found safe in an unusual place: sleeping behind a garage.
An all out search by Racine County Sheriff's deputies, the Racine Fire Department and the Coast Guard, in the air and on Lake Michigan, found Rick Herek, 49, early Monday morning.
"He's fine," said his brother, Jim Herek. "They took him away to have him checked out."
Jim claims not to know exactly what happened to his brother Rick, after investigators say a wave hit his small fishing boat, knocking him and a friend into the water.
"I think they were fishing," said Jim. "That's all I know at this point."
Police said Rick's friend was intoxicated, but he managed to swim to the shore for help.
The man's friend told Wind Point Police that he swam at least an hour to reach the shore.
"He said he was out there with one other individual a 49-year-old male was still yet to be located," said Racine County Sheriff's Lt. Dan Klatt.
Investigators located Herek behind a three-car garage after, they claim, a member of the media spotted him asleep.
Jim said that's not true.
"He wasn't found sleeping behind a three-car garage. He was found about a mile down the street. (He) came up from the lake, asking for help," retorted Jim.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.