(ST. CLAIR COUNTY) – A day of fun in Lake Huron turned tragic Wednesday when a swimmer died and St. Clair County two firefighters were injured during a water rescue off the shoreline of Lakeport State Park.
Officials say shortly before 5 p.m., there was a report of a possible drowning off the picnic area of the park.
52-year old Robert Esquibel of Burtchville Township was swimming with a friend and after the friend noticed Esquibel had not resurfaced, he swam to shore to call for help.
Deputies from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and the Burtchville Township Fire Department were called and within 15 minutes of the call, a fire department rescue boat was put in the water and Esquibel was recovered.
Esquibel was taken to shore, where CPR was started by members of the fire department.
Esquibel was transported to McLaren Hospital in Port Huron where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Two Burtchville firefighters were also taken to McLaren Port Huron after participating in the water rescue, one who was treated and released, while the other remains in the hospital for observation.
According to authorities, no foul play is suspected and the case remains under investigation.
