A fisherman has died after drowning in Port Austin Township.

It happened just after 4:00 p.m. at the Port Austin Harbor Breakwall Monday.  The Huron County Sheriff reports 20 year old James M. McComb II from Durand was fishing with a friend when their fishing net got caught in the water.  McComb reportedly jumped into the water to free the net, but because caught in a wave. McComb’s fishing partner, Christopher J. Hathaway, jumped into the water to try to save the victim, but it was too late.

Hathaway was able to get to a nearby ladder. He was taken to the Huron Medical Center for treatment and released.

The Port Austin Police Department, Fire Department, Michigan State Police, Caseville Fire Department, Harbor Beach Coast Guard, and a dive team responded to the scene to search for McComb.  The search found the victim about an hour later.  They began resuscitation while the victim was transported to shore by airboat to another awaiting Central Huron Ambulance.  They transported the victim to the Huron Medical Center where hospital personnel tried to revive the victim, but they were not able to save him.