UPDATE: Both missing kayakers found dead

Munising -UPDATE: Two are dead after going missing near Pictured Rocks. The two kayakers were reported missing Thursday evening. The National Park Service, along with other federal and state agencies, and the Canadian Coast Guard responded with ongoing search and rescue operations. Search and rescue operations included the use of aircraft such as a C130 and a rescue helicopter. The two were found a few miles offshore from Pictured Rocks.

Search and Rescue Commander for the northern Great Lakes Mike Courtney said, “Our hearts go out to the families of those lost. We searched for them as if they were members of our own family. While I am saddened by the outcome, I couldn’t be more proud of the crews from the Coast Guard and our counterparts in Canada for their tireless efforts.”

More than 516 square miles were covered during the search.

This is a developing story, and we will update it as information becomes available.