LAKE MICHIGAN – Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an incident that left one dead after a boat capsized today on Lake Michigan.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., conservation officers responded to a report of a boat capsized in Lake Michigan near East Chicago, leaving two people in the water.
One victim, Steve Vandervelde of Oak Forest, Illinois, was pulled from the water by a nearby Good Samaritan.
The second victim, Thomas Barragan, 73, of Oak Forest, was located by the Lake County Aviation Unit and recovered by a conservation officer diver at 3:20 p.m. Barragan was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Strong winds, large waves, and a 37-degree water temperature hindered response and search efforts.
Assisting agencies were the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Marine and Aviation Units, United States Coast Guard, Hammond Fire Department, East Chicago Fire Department, Hobart Fire Department, Hammond Police Department, Whiting Police Department, and Hammond Port Authority.
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