Man found dead near boat in Grand River

SPRING LAKE, Mich. (AP) - Western Michigan authorities say a 51-year-old boat operator apparently drowned in the Grand River.

The Grand Haven Tribune says a friend reported Michael Kirby missing Saturday evening. Kirby had a 41.5-foot Sea Ray boat at a slip at the Village Cove Marina in Spring Lake.

Village Cove harbormaster James Cunningham says he couldn't find Kirby but did find one of his sandals floating in the water.

Sheriff's Sgt. Keith Koeman says a side-scan sonar device spotted the body near the boat and divers were going to retrieve it when it rose to the surface on its own.

Police say Kirby was drinking Friday, and that probably was a factor in the drowning.