MACOMB COUNTY (WWJ) - A Harrison Township man is dead after authorities said he drowned in Lake St. Clair sometime Monday evening.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office said in a press release that the body of 49-year-old James Hauff was pulled from the water by the office's dive team around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday after an extensive search.
The MCSO said they began their investigation after they received a call from a concerned boater who had spotted two dogs swimming around a 17 ft. aluminum fishing boat near Harrison Township around 7:50 p.m. Monday.
Deputies said they went out to the area near the Black Creek and found music coming from the boat, as well as personal items on board, but no one was on the ship.
Macomb County Marine Division the responded and searched the area with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, a helicopter, a drone and officers from Parks Police.
Authorities were able to match the boat's registration to Hauff and family members confirmed with police that the 49-year-old had been out on the water with both of the dogs.
The dive team was called out to the location and just after midnight, deputies found Hauff's body in apporximently eight feet of water, about one-half mile outside the Black Creek.
Authorities said Hauff was not wearing a life jacket.
At this time, it remains unclear how or why Hauff went overboard, but there was a small craft advisory in effect for Lake St. Clair, the sheriff's office added.
Deputies said the two dogs were rescued and are expected to be OK.
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