Coast Guard suspends search for man overboard a freighter on Lake Michigan

The man reportedly went overboard approximately four miles northwest of Big Sable Point on Lake Michigan.

A helicopter was brought in to help in the search.

The incident happened a few miles offshore Big Sable Point on the eastern shore of the lake near Ludington in Mason County, with the vessel heading north. An alert was raised instantly and the ship turned to start searching for the man. Morris said the man was wearing jeans and a yellow shirt and apparently no flotation device.

Cole said three detectives from Mason County and a deputy further north have been part of the investigation, along with the Coast Guard.

Crew members witnessed the man climb over the rail and jump, according to Morrell.

Coast Guard crews from Manistee, Muskegon and Traverse City suspended the search for the man Sunday.

The Stewart J. Cort is a 989-foot, U.S.-flagged freighter owned by the Interlake Steamship Company.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the crew member, his family and the officers and crew of the Stewart J. Cort“, the company said in a news release.

The name of the man who went overboard was not released.

The motor vessels Samuel D. Champlain, Joyce L. Van Encevort and Vikingbank were also in the area also began to assist with the search.