A weekend with a record-breaking turnout for the annual Raft Off on Lake St. Clair ended in tragedy and conflict as emergency crews responded to a fatal drowning, a stabbing, multiple fights, and dozens of stranded boaters.
Swimmer’s Body Recovered After Two-Day Search
Search and rescue teams recovered the body of 23-year-old James Kramer of Northville around 11:00 a.m. Monday morning. According to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, Kramer went underwater near the South Channel Saturday evening and failed to resurface.
Joint search efforts were immediately launched by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Marine Division, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Marine Division, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Investigators say foul play is not suspected.
Dozens Left Stranded
The tragedy was part of a turbulent weekend on the water. St. Clair County marine deputies assisted more than 50 boaters who were left stranded in the bay after becoming separated from the parties they arrived with.
Stabbing and Multiple Fights Reported
As massive crowds gathered for the unorganized annual boating tradition, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office reported several physical altercations in Muscamoot Bay near Harson’s Island. Among them, 26-year-old Salem Asmar of Shelby Township was arrested and arraigned Monday on a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm after allegedly stabbing a 21-year-old man following an argument. Asmar was given a $100,000 cash/surety bond.
“We welcome all to come enjoy Lake St. Clair, but violence is not something that will be tolerated on the water,” St. Clair County Sheriff Mat King said in a statement. “Our Marine Deputies take safety seriously, and those who are behaving irresponsibly or are breaking the law will face consequences.”
