EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — Crews pulled a missing swimmer’s body from Lake Michigan at Evanston’s Lighthouse Beach after an extensive search on Saturday night, fire officials said.
Officials initially responded to the scene at 2611 Sheridan Road around 7 p.m. for a report of three men in their 20s who were struggling in the water.
Bystanders rescued two swimmers from the water, fire officials said. The two rescued men were evaluated and released on the scene.
First responders with the Evanston Fire Department, the Chicago Fire Department and the Coast Guard searched for a third swimmer and found his body around 9:40 p.m. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
The medical examiner’s office identified him as 24-year-old Hanover Park man Saher Khan.
Evanston’s fire chief says lake conditions made the search difficult.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones,” said Evanston Fire Chief Paul Polep. “This is a constant reminder to anyone that these waters are dangerous and should adhere to the posted no swimming signs. We thank our regional partners, including MABAS Division 3, the Coast Guard, and the Chicago Fire Department, for their swift assistance.”
Officials are investigating and did not immediately provide further information.
A small airplane with three people on board is in Lake Michigan following a mid-flight problem after departing from Milwaukee and heading to Michigan, an airport spokesperson said.
The U.S. Coast Guard and other rescue and dive teams are responding to the incident which occurred about 20 miles east of Bender Park at about 12:37 p.m., a spokesperson for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport said in an email.
The plane left the airport at about 12:17 p.m. and was headed to Michigan, before the problem occurred and the plane “ended up” in the water, the spokesperson said.
No details on the nature of the emergency are known at this time, the spokesperson said.
The plane was a Cirrus SR22 aircraft, which is a small single-engine propeller plane, the spokesperson said.
The U.S. Coast Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the rescue operation.
This is a breaking story and it will be updated with new information.
David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com.
A picture of Plainfield man Nabil Abzal, affectionately known as Captain Bill, smiling is what greeted his former boating community who gathered, mourning his death. His friends say he was attacked.
“Unauthorized people, he was trying to escort them off and he never made it back to his boat,” said Alan Brandt Malelo, vigil organizer and friend. “He would cock his hat and smile with his pursed lips.”
The cheerful face memorialized in a picture is how his fellow boaters want to remember the man who loved the very harbor where police said he was murdered.
“It’s a very close-knit community, so we all kind of reached out to one another,” said Frank Jaeger a fellow captain and friend. “It’s unfortunate to hear the news that it was him.”
Flowers, a balloon, and a picture of Abzal adorned an entrance at DuSable Harbor, where just a few feet away on the C dock, mourners gathered for a private vigil to remember the late 63-year-old man before throwing petals into the part of the marina where his body was pulled from last weekend.
“It’s tough to swallow. There are people like Captain Bill out there who are dying because they slept on their boat for the night, and that should not be happening,” Brandt Malelo said. “They got in his boat. They were having a party at 2:45 in the morning, vaping, drinking, whatever; doing what party-goers do, and he woke up.”
While the circumstances surrounding the Plainfield man’s death remain murky, police are ruling it a homicide. Brandt Malelo says his years-long friend and boat neighbor may have been attacked by a group.
“And, he took it upon himself to go to the end of the dock here, and there was a violent act at the end of the dock here and he was thrown in the water, and he never made it back,” Brandt Malelo said. “It’s a tragedy. It’s a modern-day tragedy, and he died protecting us.”
Police have not confirmed what might have led up to the alleged murder, but the owner of a nearby restaurant told ABC7 that they have given police surveillance footage as part of the homicide investigation.
So far, Chicago police say no one has been arrested.
Door County, Wisconsin, may be famous for cheese curds and tart cherries, but its true magic lies in the outdoors. Nestled between Lake Michigan and Green Bay, this slender peninsula is home to five state parks—each with its own personality, scenery, and seasonal charm.
Whether you’re a casual hiker, stargazer, paddler, or snowshoer, Door County’s parks offer a refreshing escape in every season. Here’s a look at five standout parks and what makes each one worth the trip.
Newport State Park: Stargazing and Solitude
Where Lake Michigan whispers and the cosmos answers—Newport’s night sky is pure wilderness wonder.
Located at the northern tip of the peninsula, Newport State Park is Wisconsin’s only designated International Dark Sky Park. On clear nights, the stars feel close enough to touch—perfect for astronomy buffs or anyone craving quiet wonder.
By day, explore 30 miles of hiking trails, paddle along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, or picnic beneath towering pines. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing offer peaceful ways to explore the snowy forest.
Peninsula State Park: Bluffs, Beaches, and Big Views
Two friends, one view—soaking in the sweep of Green Bay from Eagle Tower’s lofty perch.
Often called Wisconsin’s most complete park, Peninsula State Park has it all: rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, forested trails, and even a golf course. The park hugs Green Bay with eight miles of shoreline and dramatic views from the Niagara Escarpment.
Visitors can hike, bike, boat, camp, and even catch a musical at the Northern Sky Theater. Don’t miss Eagle Tower—a 60-foot accessible observation deck with panoramic views of the bay and surrounding islands.
In winter, the park transforms into a snowy playground with sledding, tubing, and cross-country skiing.
Curious why Peninsula is often called Wisconsin’s most complete park? From bluff-top views and beach days to historic lighthouses and forest trails, there’s more to explore than meets the eye. Dive into our full guide to Peninsula State Park.
Potawatomi State Park: Trails with a Glacial Story
Golden hush over Sturgeon Bay—Potawatomi’s autumn canopy glows with quiet magic.
Located in Sturgeon Bay, Potawatomi State Park is home to the eastern terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This 1,000-mile trail traces the edge of Wisconsin’s last glacier, and Potawatomi’s segment offers a scenic introduction.
The park’s limestone cliffs and forested hills make it a favorite for hiking, biking, and paddling. Winter visitors enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing. With eight miles of off-road biking trails, it’s also a great spot for cyclists looking for a challenge.
Rock Island State Park: Ferry Adventures and Lighthouse Views
Lake Michigan unfolds below—Pottawatomie Light stands watch from Rock Island’s rugged northern bluff.
Getting to Rock Island is half the fun. First, take the Washington Island Ferry across Death’s Door—a strait with over 275 shipwrecks. Then hop aboard the Karfi Ferry to reach Rock Island, where no vehicles are allowed.
Once there, hike ten miles of trails, tour Wisconsin’s oldest lighthouse, and enjoy primitive camping under the stars. It’s a rugged, rewarding escape for those who love remote adventures.
Tip: Grab a bite at Jackson Harbor Soup before boarding the ferry. Their hot soups and fresh sandwiches are a local favorite.
Want to make the most of your time on Washington Island before heading to Rock Island? From scenic drives and hidden beaches to quirky museums and local eats, we’ve mapped out the best adventures. Explore our full guide to the island.
Whitefish Dunes State Park: Sand, Forest, and Soul-Soothing Views
Shoreline locked in silence—Lake Michigan’s icy lace clings to the shore at Whitefish.
On the peninsula’s eastern shore, Whitefish Dunes State Park protects Wisconsin’s fragile dune ecosystem. Boardwalks and forest trails lead to Old Baldy—the state’s tallest dune—and offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and Clark Lake.
The park’s nature center features exhibits on ecology, archaeology, and shipwrecks. While camping isn’t allowed, visitors can hike, swim, paddle, and picnic. In winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing reveal a quieter side of the dunes.
Plan Your Door County Escape
Whether you’re chasing fall foliage, spring blossoms, or snowy solitude, Door County’s state parks offer something for every season—and every kind of explorer. From ferry rides and forest hikes to stargazing and shoreline strolls, these parks invite you to slow down and savor the moment.
Want to go a little deeper? We’ve put together a broader overview of Door County’s parks that includes seasonal tips, insider highlights, and one bonus park you won’t want to miss.
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) — Crews will head back to Lake Michigan on Sunday morning to continue their search, now a recovery mission, for a missing swimmer in the north suburbs.
The person was last seen struggling in the water on Saturday around noon near the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve at Fort Sheridan in Highland Park.
GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (AP) — The Shark is back in the water, trying to repeat his 1998 feat of swimming across Lake Michigan.
Jim Dreyer entered the lake at Grand Haven, Michigan, on Tuesday and began swimming to Wisconsin. The route to Milwaukee is expected to cover roughly 83 miles (134 kilometers), though it could be more, depending on lake conditions.
“Even with all the extensive training and planning, I understand the inherent dangers of this self-sufficient swim,” Dreyer, who nicknamed himself The Shark before his first historic swim, said last month.
Dreyer, 60, is towing supplies in an inflatable boat attached to him. Satellite communications will allow him to contact a crew for help if necessary.
“I hope this calculated risk captures the imaginations of adventurous souls everywhere as I find my way across the seemingly endless expanse of Lake Michigan,” said Dreyer, who is also trying to raise money for the nonprofit U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association.
Dreyer swam across Lake Michigan, from Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Michigan’s Ludington State Park, in 1998, a grueling feat that lasted nearly 41 hours.
He tried last year to cross the lake but gave up after 10 hours because of bad weather.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified him as 40-year-old Lorenzo Tobin of Country Club Hills.
Tobin had been missing since a yacht capsized and sunk in the area on Friday night.
The U.S. Coast Guard said they received calls about a 25-foot double-decker pleasure yacht capsizing and then sinking around 7:30 p.m. Friday near 31st Street Harbor.
The Coast Guard said 16 people were on the boat at the time of the incident. Everyone except Tobin made it out of the water.
A man was still missing Saturday after a yacht capsized and sank, leaving 16 boaters in Lake Michigan near Chicago’s 31st Street Harbor, police said.
Three people, a man and two women, were taken to a local hospital for treatment after the incident, all in good condition, police said.
Tobin remained missing, but authorities postponed their search for him on Saturday due to dangerous and choppy conditions.
A witness said he saw the boat speeding in the water on Friday night before flipping over, and then, he heard screams for help.
The US Coast Guard and CPD are searching for at least 1 person still missing after a pleasure yacht sank in Lake Michigan near 31st Street Harbor.
A group called Boat Safe Chicago captured drone video of the wreckage just moments after the crash. Jon Meyer with the group was on their boat nearby, enjoying a concert at Northerly Island when the mayday call came in.
“We were the closest boat to it, so we came around the corner… saw the victims in the water… saw them getting helped,” Meyer said. “There were a couple other boaters there also helping.”
Meyer said there may have been some warning signs ahead of the accident.
“So when they actually turned to go into the harbor, the boat flipped over… several of the passengers had warned the captain hey the boat has a strange lean to it… so it looks like it was taking on water,” Meyer said.
In a separate incident, police said a 36-year-old man was pulled from the lake at around 4:32 a.m. Saturday. ABC7 was at 31st Street Harbor as paramedics rushed the person into an ambulance and began to perform CPR.
The man was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center, where he later died. Police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding that incident.
The Chicago Air and Water Show is one of the city’s most spectacular and beloved summer events. A longstanding tradition for more than six decades, this Lake Michigan spectacle has grown into the largest free show of its kind in the country.
The 64th annual event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with practice flyovers on Friday, Aug. 9.
Looking for a spot to catch the show? We’ve got you covered with waterfront viewing parties, the best beaches, stunning rooftop bars, and more. Check out the top places to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show 2024.
Chicago beaches
The city’s gorgeous beaches are popular all summer long, but the Chicago Air and Water Show always draws crowds to Lake Michigan’s sandy shores.
The best spot to view the show will be on the lakefront between Oak Street and Fullerton Avenue, which includes North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach. Both beaches are home to waterfront restaurants, unobstructed skyline and waterfront views, and plenty of sandy and grassy areas to kick back and relax. Bring a lawn chair and find a spot to watch the show!
Waterfront restaurants
Shore Club: Located directly on North Avenue beach, Shore Club is the perfect option for those wanting to elevate their experience and be in the center of all the action. Their annual Air and Water Show watch party ticket packages include access to the Shore Club’s outdoor patio and shaded restaurant, a beachside buffet, a bloody Mary bar, frozen cocktails, and a premium open bar. Tickets start at $135 for adults and $65 for children. Reserved seating and VIP cabanas are available for purchase. Get your tickets for the practice run on Friday, Aug. 9 and the main event on Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug, 21.
Theater on the Lake: Spread out across three acres of open green space along the lakefront while enjoying food, drinks, and incredible views at Theater on the Lake’s annual viewing party. The all-inclusive experience includes delicious food from Smoque BBQ and an open bar with beer, wine, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic options. There will be ample seating, but guests are invited to bring their own chairs and blankets. Tickets start at $110 for adults and $50 for children and are available for Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11.
Photo courtesy Theater on the Lake
Castaways: You won’t get much closer to the action than at Castaways, the iconic blue and white boat house on the sands of North Avenue beach. The rooftop bar offers unobstructed views of the jets soaring through the air throughout the Air and Water Show. The Castaways viewing party will run from Saturday, Aug. 10 to Sunday, Aug. 11 featuring an open bar with beer, wine, frozen and specialty cocktails, an elevated breakfast and lunch buffet, and an ice cream bar cart. Tickets start at $250.
Whispers on Oak Street Beach: Kick back and relax with your toes in the sand at this beachfront bar and restaurant. Grab your tickets for a daytime beach barbecue and open bar, or opt for a VIP cabana.
Castaways Cabanas
Caffe Olivia: On Ohio Street Beach, Caffe Olivia is tucked away inside the scenic Olive Park. It’s the perfect under-the-radar spot to watch the Air and Water Show from a prime location. Reserve your table or cabana and enjoy a buffet and sundae bar.
The Patio at Cafe Brauer: Head further into Lincoln Park for one of the most iconic al fresco options in the city. Situated inside Lincoln Park Zoo, The Patio at Cafe Brauer is a great option to soak up the city lakefront views and watch the Air and Water Show display, while surrounded by a lush, tranquil environment.
Rooftop bars
Chicago has no shortage of rooftop bars with stunning lakefront views. Here are a few popular spots to catch the Air and Water Show display, just make sure to come early or grab a reservation since these spots fill up quickly.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier offers unbeatable views of Lake Michigan and the Navy Pier Beer Garden is a great space to soak up all the excitement of the weekend. In addition to being surrounded by the Air and Water show action, the Beer Garden will also feature various live music throughout the weekend.
Many other Navy Pier restaurants also offer waterfront patio space, make sure to grab your reservations ahead of time or get there early. There’s also plenty of green space and open areas where the public is able to hang out and enjoy the show for free.
Offshore Rooftop & Bar at Navy Pier, the largest rooftop bar in the world, offers unmatched views of the lakefront and skyline — making it a perfect spot to watch the Air and Water Show. The bar will be open to the public for the Sunday show.
Lake Michigan cruises
One of Chicagoans’ favorite ways to enjoy the Air and Water Show is to watch the festivities from the bright blue waters of Lake Michigan. There are a variety of afternoon boat cruises that will give you a perfect vantage point of the Air and Water Show. Here are just a few setting sail on Air and Water Show weekend:
See the soaring jets at eye level when you visit these Chicago observation decks during the Air and Water Show.
For a bird’s eye view, head up to 360 CHICAGO observation deck, where you’ll be blown away by the 360-degree panoramas and all the action on the lakefront below. Keep the adrenaline pumping at their thrilling TILT ride. then enjoy drinks from 1,000 feet up at Cloud Bar.
In the iconic Willis Tower (one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere), watch the jets fly by at eye level from the 103rd-floor Skydeck Chicago. Step out onto The Ledge, an all-glass platform suspended outside the building, for a jaw-dropping vantage point of the show and the entire city,
A man accused of diverting a national park river to ease boat access to Lake Michigan has been convicted of two misdemeanors.
Andrew Howard of Frankfort, Michigan, was found guilty of tampering and vandalism Wednesday during a brief trial in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent.
In August 2022, a National Park Service ranger witnessed Howard digging with a shovel so the Platte River in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore would be diverted into one of the Great Lakes, prosecutors said in a court filing.
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan
“Within days, the natural power of the water and the constructed dam caused the river to divert and created a new channel to Lake Michigan that grew to approximately 200 feet wide,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Biksacky said.
“It stayed approximately that wide for the summer and fall season,” she added. “There was then an influx in the number of fishermen that came to Platte River boat launch to take advantage of the favorable conditions of access created by the new channel.”
The Associated Press left a voicemail and email seeking comment from Howard’s attorney Thursday.
U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said Howard had a policy dispute with the National Park Service and “took matters into his own hands.”
The Park Service no longer dredges the Platte River. As a result, sediment and sand build up, reducing the ability to get boats to Lake Michigan.
When the diversion first occurred, some state and local officials, businesses owners and angler groups expressed support for the increased boat access and argued that it actually benefitted the river, local news site Mlive.com reported. Township officials have called for the river mouth dredged, arguing that its shallowness is a safety hazard that impedes access to Platte Bay for rescue boats.
According to Mlive.com, since dredging stopped in 2016, two people have died in the bay —a teenager from Holt drowned swimming and a 21-year-old died when his kayak capsized.
“it would be nice for a rescue boat to be able to get out there in a timely fashion,” Kyle Orr, owner of Riverside Canoe Trips, told Mlive.com.
Thanks for reading CBS NEWS.
Create your free account or log in for more features.
Shipwreck hunters have discovered the intact remains of a schooner that sank in Lake Michigan in 1881 and is so well-preserved it still contains the crew’s possessions in its final resting spot miles from Wisconsin’s coastline. Historians on Friday called it a “remarkable discovery” of a “significant shipwreck.”
Wisconsin maritime historians Brendon Baillod and Robert Jaeck found the 156-year-old Trinidad in July off Algoma at a depth of about 270 feet. They used side-scan sonar to hone in on its location based on survivor accounts in historical records.
“The wreck is among the best-preserved shipwrecks in Wisconsin waters with her deck-house still intact, containing the crew’s possessions and her anchors and deck gear still present,” states a Thursday news release announcing the Trinidad’s discovery.
This July 2023 photo provided by State Historical Society of Wisconsin shows the schooner Trinidad.
Tamara Thomsen/Zach Whitrock / AP
The 140-foot-long schooner was built at Grand Island, New York, in 1867 by shipwright William Keefe, and was used primarily in the grain trade between Milwaukee, Chicago and Oswego, New York.
But it was carrying a load of coal bound for Milwaukee when early on May 13, 1881, it developed a catastrophic leak after passing through the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal.
This image provided by John S. Rochon shows the schooner Trinidad wintering at Sarnia, Ontario in 1873.
/ AP
According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the captain was nearly killed by a block that fell from the decaying wire rigging as the owners did not invest much money into the vessel’s upkeep.
On its final voyage, the Trinidad “suddenly and violently lurched” and sank about 10 miles off the coast of Algoma, the society said.
“The captain and the crew immediately escaped in the ship’s yawl,” the society said in a Facebook post. “The only loss aboard the Trinidad was the ship’s mascot, a large Newfoundland dog who was asleep next to the stove when the ship began to sink.”
This July 2023 photo provided by State Historical Society of Wisconsin shows the Trinidad’s intact deck house.
Tamara Thomsen/Zach Whitrock / AP
Captain John Higgins and his crew of eight survived and reached Algoma, about 120 miles north of Milwaukee, after rowing for eight hours in the ship’s yawl boat. Higgins believed the Trinidad’s hull was damaged a few days before the sinking as it passed through ice fields in the Straits of Mackinac.
After discovering the Trinidad in July, Baillod and Jaeck reported their finding to an underwater archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society who arranged for the site to be surveyed with an underwater vehicle that verified the vessel’s identity and documented historic artifacts, according to the news release.
A three-dimensional model of the ship has been created to allow people to explore the site virtually. Baillod and Jaeck plan to work with the Wisconsin Historical Society to nominate the site to the National Register of Historic Places.
This July 2023 photo provided by State Historical Society of Wisconsin shows the schooner Trinidad’s wheel.
Tamara Thomsen / AP
Experts estimate there are more than 6,000 ships have gone down in the Great Lakes since the late 1600s.
In July, researchers searching for World War I-era minesweepers that mysteriously vanished in Lake Superior over a century ago instead found a long-missing ship that sank to the bottom of the lake in 1879.
In April, researchers found the wreckage of two ships that disappeared in Lake Superior in 1914. In March, a ship carrying a load of coal when it sank in a storm in 1891 was discovered in the lake.
And in February, a 144-foot shipwreck that searchers called a “Bad Luck Barquentine” was found in Lake Superior more than 150 years after it sank.
The travel app takes a deep dive into the most visited lakes in the world based on user data.
Press Release –
Dec 6, 2022 09:00 EST
TORONTO, December 6, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– The travel app Visited by Arriving In High Heels Corporation has published a list of the top 10 most popular lakes in the world based on user data.
Visited, available on iOS or Android, is a travel app with over 1.5 million users who check off places they’ve traveled to around the world. Users can discover new places, set travel goals, browse top 10 lists, get printed custom travel maps, and more in the Visited app.
The top 10 most popular lakes in the world include:
Lake Como in northern Italy offers breathtaking views of the Alps and Renaissance-era architecture in the nearby villages of Bellagio and Como.
Lake Garda is a popular vacation destination in Italy that features water sports and family-friendly activities.
Lake Geneva in the northern Alps serves up stunning mountain views and luxury shopping, spas, and upscale resorts.
Lake Zurich in Switzerland features serene mountain views in the Alps as well as water sports and proximity to nearby attractions in the city of Zurich.
Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland is nestled in the Alps and borders the town of Lucerne, which includes medieval architecture.
Lake Michigan borders Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin in the U.S. and includes 26 miles of shoreline along the city of Chicago, including beaches, waterfront paths, and Navy Pier.
Lake Maggiore offers beautiful mountain views along the southern Alps in Italy and Switzerland.
Lake Constance at the foot of the Alps borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and offers sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and serene natural views.
Loch Ness in Scotland features stunning views and beautiful hiking as well as legendary tales of the Loch Ness Monster.
Lake Bled located in Slovenia in the Julian Alps features breathtaking views and medieval history.
To see the full list of the most popular lake destinations and over 50 top ten lists of the top attractions in the world, download Visited on iOS or Android.
