Recovered from Lake Mendota: Body of Missing Watercraft User Identified as Dane Co. Resident

Missing Man Found in Lake Mendota

A 33-year-old man who went missing from a pontoon boat in Lake Mendota on Monday has been found, according to local authorities. The man was reported missing at 5:40 p.m., and a search and rescue operation was promptly initiated.

The search area had a relatively precise location due to the boat's anchorage. Multiple agencies, including Dane County deputies, the Madison Fire Department, Madison Police Department, and UW Lake Rescue, responded to the scene on Monday. The boat that the man was on remained anchored during the search.

The search continued until 8 p.m. on Monday, utilizing divers, sonar, and an underwater drone. The search resumed on Tuesday morning, focusing on an area in about 30 feet of water. Just before 1 p.m. on Tuesday, the man's body was recovered.

Dane County Sheriff's Office Marine and Trail Enforcement, the Sheriff's Office Dive Team, and the Dane County Medical Examiner's Office aided in the recovery effort.

Sheriff Kalvin Barrett expressed condolences to the man's loved ones, and Captain Schaffer, of the Dane County Sheriff's Office, emphasized the importance of wearing a life vest or a life preserver during boating activities.

"This summer has been worse than normal with more boating incidents than in past years," Schaffer said. He also expressed empathy for the family's difficult time during the search, urging boaters to prioritize safety.

There is no information available about a 33-year-old man who disappeared this summer in the Warner Park Beach area of Lake Mendota. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of boating safety and the potential dangers that can arise when precautions are not taken.