A missing canoeist near Grand Mere State Park has been recovered.
Lincoln Township Police say the search began, Friday night, April 17, after reports of an overturned canoe.
The man was last seen near the Chalets on the Lake.
Multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, assisted, but severe weather delayed efforts until Saturday morning.
Police say more information will be released as it becomes available.
Below is all of the information posted by Lincoln Township Police:
**UPDATE… the missing person has been recovered…**
From: Lincoln Township Police Department
To: Media
Reference: MISSING CANOEIST
Date: APRIL 17TH 2026 at 2115 hrs.
On 4-17-26 at approx. 2115 hrs. officers with the Lincoln Twp Police Department were contacted by Berrien County Dispatch for a reported overdue canoeist.
Upon speaking with the caller, said canoeist was due to be picked up from the beach at Grand Mere State Park at 1830 hrs. The canoeist did not arrive at the designated time. The caller last spoke with the subject on the phone at 1930 hrs. near the Chalets on the Lake located in the 5300 blk. of Notre Dame Ave.
Witnesses at the “Chalets on the Lake” did report seeing the described canoeist around 1930 hrs. and said the person did not seem to be in any sort of distress.
Lincoln Twp. Police did contact the St. Joseph Twp. Police Department and Great Lake Rescue to deploy drones equipped with thermal imaging. The subject was not located.
The U.S. Coast Guard was contacted and did deploy to the area and began searching. Due to inclement weather the search had to be delayed. U.S. Coast Guard did commence their search on the morning of 4-18-2026.
The subjects cell phone was also pinged for location with no effect.
The missing is a 6’2 white male, 250 lbs. Last seen in a green canoe approximately 12-14 ft. long, with a small trolling motor attached.
Further details will be given as time allows.
Thank you,
Chief Burrow
