Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
UPDATE 2/13/23 –
Officials have confirmed that they have found the body of an ice climber who fell into Lake Superior a week ago at the Pictured Rocks.
Thirty-two-year-old James Bake of Gaylord slipped off the ice face of the Miner’s Castle. Initial rescue and recovery efforts were hampered by high winds and waves.
His body was located on Sunday by a drone piloted by the Alger County Sheriff’s Department. It was about 30 feet offshore.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Superintendent David Horne said his staff was saddened by the loss, and extended condolences to Bake’s family and friends.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing ice climber at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Thirty-two-year-old James Bake of Gaylord fell off a 50-foot cliff while climbing the Miners Castle formation late Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities believe he landed on unstable Lake Superior ice, and sank through into the freezing water. Rescue efforts included a helicopter and a rescue swimmer, who was unable to enter the water because of waves up to six feet high.
