Three die after boat capsizes on Lake St. Clair

Three people were found dead early Thursday after a boat capsized Wednesday night and a passenger swam to shore.

A report from the Macomb County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded near MacRay Harbor in Harrison Township around 10:48 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7.

The passenger reported that the accident happened around 8 p.m. A resident called 911 after the passenger reached shore.

Marine division deputies and the sheriff's underwater search and rescue team searched overnight. The team recovered three people from the submerged boat around 5 a.m. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Responsibility for a fatal boating accident in Michigan

A boat operator can be responsible when a failure to use reasonable care causes an injury or death. Under MCL 324.80157, a boat owner can also be liable for injuries caused by negligent operation if the boat was being used with the owner's express or implied permission.

Federal maritime law can also apply to recreational boating accidents on navigable waters. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Yamaha Motor Corp. v. Calhoun recognizes that boating accident deaths might qualify for federal wrongful death claims even if they don't qualify for state claims. The location and the person's role aboard the boat therefore matter when determining which rules apply.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles boating accident and wrongful death claims.

Families affected by a fatal boating accident can contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether Michigan Legal Center can help with their situation.

There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.

For more information about operator conduct, vessel ownership and possible claims, read about Michigan boating accident claims.