The search for three kayakers missing since Thursday afternoon, came to a successful resolution Friday morning when the trio was plucked from the bay of Green Bay, on the Michigan side, near whaleback shoal. The group, 43 year old Allison Alter & 9 year old Zach Alter of Austin, Texas & 9 year old Thomas Alter of Highland Park, Illinois, were taken by helicopter to a Marinette hospital where they were given a check up for hypothermia.
The kayakers left Nicolet Bay in Peninsula State Park, heading east toward Eagle Harbor & Ephraim, at 2:45PM. They were supposed to arrive at their destination by about 4PM, but they did not. The firm that rented the kayaks became concerned & contacted the Door County dispatch center shortly before 6:30PM Thursday. A search operation was mobilized utilizing volunteers from several law enforcement agencies, fire departments, the US Coast Guard, the DNR, & private individuals. Using boats & aircraft, the bay of Green Bay & the islands off Door County were checked out. At about 10:30PM Thursday, the search was suspended for many of the units involved. However, the Coast Guard continued to work through the night. At about 6:15AM Friday, the crew of a C-130 aircraft spotted the woman & the two boys in the water, clinging to their kayaks. They had been missing for about 15 hours. In short order, a helicopter picked them up & they were on land again. The Door County Sheriff’s Department has indicated that the investigation into the boating incident is ongoing. Sheriff Terry Vogel thanked the individuals, groups & agencies for their participation in the successful rescue mission.
