WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A missing fisherman’s kayak was found Monday afternoon as crews continued to search for Michael Iriarte on Lake Butte des Morts in Winnebago County.
Sheriff’s officials say emergency crews first responded to the lake in Omro at 5:40 p.m. Sunday.
Family members say the 41-year-old Iriarte launched his kayak in the area of Sammers Bay, near Terrell’s Island, to go fishing. He was last seen around 3 p.m. When he didn’t return, family members notified authorities.
Iriarte was last seen wearing a blue and gray life jacket, a dark blue jacket, dark-colored pants, brown boots, a facemask and hat. His kayak is described as purple over-white, 10-foot recreational kayak.
A several-hour search with multiple agencies and a drone of the Terrell’s Island, Sammers Bay and Spring Brook areas, was suspended Sunday night due to the lack of light.
Monday’s search includes shoreline searches on foot with boats and a plane.
