ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey said an investigation is under way to find out what caused a boat operated by deputies to capsize during a search for a body in Lake Michigan north of New Buffalo.
Speaking to county commissioners Thursday, Bailey said the officers, Lt. Martin Kurtz and Deputy Nick Stama, were treated for hypothermia and are recovering from the Monday incident.
The Marine Division officers are trained in search-and-rescue operations. Kurtz, who heads the unit, has many years of experience.
Bailey said it appears the two men were following department protocol. Water on the lake was rough, but when the boat was put into the water, waves were under the 6-foot maximum recommended for operations, he said.
The boat, which went into service only a couple weeks ago, overturned about one-quarter mile offshore, Bailey said. Kurtz and Stama were strapped in, and they used Stama's waterproof cell phone to call 911.
On Monday, Capt. Paul Toliver of the sheriff's department blamed the boat's upending on a rogue wave.
"In rescues we've been out in worse water than this," Bailey told the county board's Administration Committee. "We'll find out if there was error by our staff."
In hindsight, Bailey said, the officers may have stayed out too long in difficult conditions.
"Why they were out there in those conditions is the question," said county board Chairman Dave Pagel.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will investigate on Monday, Bailey said. The boat's electronic equipment was damaged, and the vessel is to be inspected by the manufacturer, Safe Boats International, Port Orchard, Wash.
The specialized 25-foot boat, designed for use in patrol and search operations, was purchased for $179,258.
At the time of the incident the officers were assisting New Buffalo police in a search for the body of a kayaker missing since Saturday. Mitchell Fajman, 18, Channahon, Ill., was kayaking with two other men when he capsized, according to police. His companions were rescued.
Bailey told county commissioners that the Coast Guard called off its search after 24 hours in accordance with policy.
On Monday morning, Bailey said, Kurtz checked the weather, found that it "fit the criteria" and started the search.
FBI Special Agent Al DiBrito, who is a member of the volunteer Berrien County Water Rescue Team, headed out initially but returned to shore after 30 minutes. Kurtz then returned to the lake with Stama, and the boat capsized at 11:57 a.m. five miles north of New Buffalo.
The boat was beached at 12:23 p.m., and the crew was out of the water at 12:32 p.m.
County officials said that it appears that damage to the boat will be covered by insurance.
Copyright 2011 - The Herald-Palladium, St. Joseph, Mich.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
