COPPER HARBOR — The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Department is leading the search for two missing persons after what they called a water emergency early Saturday morning near Copper Harbor.

According to a press release from the Sherriff’s Department, deputies were dispatched to a water emergency shortly before 4 a.m. Saturday.

Police said that as of noon Saturday, multiple agencies were actively involved in the ongoing search and recovery efforts, including the Sheriff’s Office, Keweenaw Search and Rescue, Copper Harbor Fire, the U.S. Coast Guard (with helicopter support), and the Michigan State Police dive team, which was en route from lower Michigan.

While details of what exactly happened have not yet been released, at this time, two individuals are unaccounted for. According to the press release, “crews are working diligently to bring closure to the families affected by this tragic incident.”

The Sheriff’s Department asks the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to operate safely and efficiently, and to respect the privacy of the families during this difficult time.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. We will update this story as needed on our web site and have additional coverage in Monday’s edition of the Daily Mining Gazette.