31-year-old Kenosha man missing after swimming in Lake Michigan

KENOSHA (WITI) -- Kenosha Police Department officers responded with Kenosha Fire Department rescue personnel and US Coast Guard officials to the North Lighthouse Pier in regards to a swimmer in distress Monday, June 17th.

According to officials,  31-year-old Benjamin McCarter from Kenosha had been swimming with friends off the North Lighthouse Pier when he began to struggle about 10 to 15 feet away from the east end of the pier.

Authorities say it appears that the McCarter was having difficulty swimming against the waves, which had gotten rough. One of the female friends jumped into the water and was able to grab onto McCarter, but he was too heavy for her so she let go.

Kenosha FD Battalion Chief Ken Schroeder says three people were initially in the water, and two were able to get out of the water.

McCarter went under the water and did not resurface.

There is no indication at this point that alcohol, drugs, or foul play was involved. After searching for over two hours, rescuers were not able to locate the male victim.

The search was called off at approximately 8:50 p.m.

It is unknown when or if the search will resume.