UPDATE: Body pulled from Lake Michigan identified as Joseph Kiehm
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee Police Department confirms a body located on Lake Michigan on Monday, October 6th is that of missing boater, Joseph Kiehm. The body was recovered about a mile east/northeast from McKinley Marina just after noon. The Milwaukee Police Department’s Harbor Patrol assisted in recovering the body.
Kiehm and his sailboat, "Wild Irish," were reported missing on Wednesday, September 17th. A day later, the sailboat was found adrift by a captain on the Lake Express high-speed ferry as it crossed Lake Michigan. Kiehm was not on board.
Officials say the boat was found in good condition -- and had a full tank of fuel. Coast Guard officials say Kiehm was apparently alone on the boat, but he did not have a cell phone with him.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the man’s death. Police tell FOX6 News foul play is not suspected in this case.
The Kiehm family has issued this statement:
"The Kiehm family extends their gratitude to the Unites States Coast Guard - Sector Lake Michigan, Coast Guard Station - Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Coast Guard Air Station - Traverse City, Michigan, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Ontario, Canada, the Milwaukee Police Department Marine Unit, The Lake Express Ferry and all the other mariners and volunteers who assisted in the search and rescue efforts of our beloved Joseph Kiehm."
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