(Porter County, IN) - A widespread search on Lake Michigan brought a missing boater to safety over the weekend.

 

24-year-old Jerimiah Merritt of Gary left the Portage Marina by himself Friday evening riding his jet ski. When he did not return home, family members reported him missing.

 

No less than five emergency departments went into search-and-rescue mode. At about 1:45 early Saturday morning, a Coast Guard helicopter spotted Merritt clinging to his personal watercraft about five miles offshore.

 

Merritt reported having engine troubles Friday evening. Unfortunately, he did not have a cell phone or radio to call for help.