Search for 20-year-old woman missing in Lake Michigan now a recovery operation

PORTER, Ind. (WLS) -- The search for a 20-year-old Carol Stream woman who went missing in Lake Michigan Friday night while swimming in northwest Indiana is now a recovery operation.

Once the sun goes down, there is only so much that can be done. Rescue worker started at 4 a.m. Saturday and went all day, combing a 14-square mile area up and down the Indiana Dunes State Park.

"We are hoping that Chase will be found (Saturday)," said Greg Froese, Chase's father. "We know that god's in control and we are fully trusting in him."

It was not to be. More than 24 hours after Chase Froese went missing while swimming at Indiana's Porter Beach, the search continued from the air and from land, but it's now clear that this is in every way a recovery mission.

"You'll start to see a scaled back search," said Tyler Brock, Indiana Department of Natural Resources. "It's going to continue between National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes State Park. Their personnel will be out (Saturday) night doing a shore-based search throughout the night.

According to officials, Froese was en route to Grand Rapids, Michigan with two other friends Friday when they decided to stop at Indiana Dunes for a swim. Conditions were far from ideal. Three to five foot waves were reported and there was a rip current.

Deputy Fire Chief Jay Craig of the Porter Fire Department was one of the people who went into the water to try and help the girls when they got into trouble.

"I experienced water conditions on the lake that I had never seen or experienced before, the strongest undertow that I've ever been in," said Craig. "It felt like someone was physically pulling on my shorts trying to pull me out."

Two of the girls were rescued, but Froese went under. The search, which was suspended at midnight Friday resumed very early Saturday morning. Emergency responders used boats, remotely operated vehicles, divers, and helicopters.

It could now be days or even weeks before Froese's body is located.

"Love on your kids and enjoy each precious day with them," Greg Froese said.

Officials say that depending on water conditions they will try to get the boats out on the lake again Sunday.