Two missing fishermen found dead in Lake Superior | News, Sports, Jobs

A U.S. COAST GUARD boat is searching for missing boaters and a capsized boat near White City Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette)

KEWEENAW BAY — The search for missing fishermen in Keweenaw Bay ended Monday afternoon after the Michigan State Police Marine Services Unit found the capsized boat and two bodies.

The two boaters were missing shortly after noon Saturday when their 21-foot boat capsized while they were participating in the Keweenaw Bay Classic Fishing Tournament. Another boat passing by was able to rescue three other fishermen on board.

The MSP unit went out Monday morning to resume the search for the fishermen and the boat, Lt. Mark Giannunzio said in a statement Monday. The dive team relieved the U.S. Coast Guard on Sunday.

During Sunday's search, Coast Guard members found a shoe and other debris that may have come from the capsized boat, Petty Officer Paul Bartholomew of the Portage Station said Monday. Coast Guard personnel said Sunday that the search focused on the area near the lower entrance to the Keweenaw Waterway.

During MSP's search, the victims were found dead in an area nearly 220 feet deep in Lake Superior.

The families of the victims have been notified; however, no names will be released.

The Houghton County Sheriff's Office and Baraga County Sheriff's Office are also assisting in the search.

Fundraising is underway to support the families of the two deceased fishermen.

The Baraga County Next Gen Team, which organized the fishing tournament, started a GoFundMe page. He had raised more than $5,000 as of Monday afternoon.

They also implemented “2 families of fishermen” accounts at Baraga County Federal Credit Union and Superior National Bank.

People can donate on the GoFundMe page at gofund.me/a7e221aa. To contact Federal Credit Union of Baraga County, call 906-524-6151. Superior National Bank can be reached at 866-482-0404.