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Two missing fishermen found dead in Lake Superior

KEWEENAW BAY — The search for missing fishermen in Keweenaw Bay ended Monday after the Michigan State Police Marine Services Unit found the capsized boat and two bodies.

The two boaters had been missing since shortly after noon Saturday, when their 21-foot boat capsized while they were competing in the Keweenaw Bay Classic Fishing Tournament. Another boat passing by was able to save three other fishermen on the boat.

The MSP unit went out Monday morning to resume the search for the fishermen and boat, Lt. Mark Giannunzio said in a release Monday. The dive team relieved the U.S. Coast Guard in the effort Sunday.

During Sunday’s search, Coast Guard members had found a shoe and other debris believed to have been belongings from the capsized boat, Petty Officer Paul Bartholomew of Station Portage said Monday. Coast Guard personnel said Sunday the search had focused on the area near the Lower Entry of the Keweenaw Waterway.

During the MSP search, the victims were found deceased in an area nearly 220 feet in depth in Lake Superior.

The victims’ families have been notified; however, no names will be released.

The Houghton County Sheriff’s Office and Baraga County Sheriff’s Office are also assisting in the search.

Fundraisers are underway to support the families of the two deceased fishermen.

The Baraga County Next Gen Team, which organized the fishing tournament, launched a GoFundMe page. It had raised more than $5,000 as of Monday afternoon.

They also set up “2 Fishermen’s Families” accounts at the Baraga County Federal Credit Union and Superior National Bank.

People can donate to the GoFundMe page at gofund.me/a7e221aa. To contact Baraga County Federal Credit Union, call 906-524-6151. Superior National Bank can be reached at 866-482-0404.

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