(An update to a story we reported on yesterday) – From the Port Huron Police Department:
The Port Huron Police Department is investigating a drowning that occurred on Monday, May 29, 2017 in the 1500 block of 3rd Street.
At approximately 12:20pm first responders were dispatched to the area near the Grey Fox boat on a report of a missing swimmer. Witnesses had indicated that the missing swimmer was a juvenile and may have been jumping off the pylons near the Grey Fox moorings into the St. Clair River and did not resurface.
Police and fire were assisted by the US Coast Guard, US Customs and Border Protection, and the St. Clair County Sheriff Marine Unit and Dive Team. During the search a dive team member found the 12 year old victim in about 14 feet of water.
The juvenile was estimated to be below water for approximately 40 minutes. It is unknown at this time why the juvenile was unable to resurface. Resuscitation efforts took place immediately and the juvenile was transported to Lake Huron Medical Center where a pulse was regained.
The victim was flown out to Children’s Hospital in Detroit where he died Tuesday. He has been identified as Dale Franklin Phillips of Port Huron.
This tragedy is a very unfortunate reminder of the dangers associated with swimming in the St. Clair River.
Those choosing to cool off in the river should know their swimming abilities, and be wary of obstacles that may be present in the water when jumping.
