Man Survives Being Swept Off Pier in Southwest Michigan

New Buchanan ball field and tornado drill also in the news

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:51pm

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A man in Southwest Michigan survived being swept off a pier by high waves, while a new baseball field is opening in Buchanan and a tornado drill is scheduled for this week.

Why it matters

Pier safety and preparedness for severe weather events are important issues for coastal communities in the region, which can experience dangerous conditions from storms off Lake Michigan.

The details

Authorities reported that the unidentified man was rescued after being swept off a pier in St. Joseph, Michigan by large waves. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the city of Buchanan is celebrating the opening of a new community ball field, and local emergency management officials are reminding residents to participate in an upcoming tornado drill.

  • The pier incident occurred on March 15, 2026.
  • The tornado drill is scheduled for this week.
  • The new Buchanan ball field is opening this month.

The players

St. Joseph, Michigan

A coastal city in Southwest Michigan located along Lake Michigan.

Buchanan, Michigan

A city in Southwest Michigan that is opening a new community ball field.

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The takeaway

This story highlights the need for coastal communities to prioritize public safety and emergency preparedness, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.