By CHRISTIE MASTRIC

Journal Staff Writer

MUNISING — An ice climber who was reported missing at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday has been identified as James Bake, 31, of downstate Gaylord.

The National Park Service, along with other federal and state agencies that included the U.S. Coast Guard, Superior High Angle Rescue Professionals and Alger Country Rescue 21, responded to the Miners Castle area of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, according to a news release from the lakeshore.

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter responded from Air Station Traverse City as well as an ice rescue team from its boat station in Marquette.

The multi-agency response began Tuesday evening.

Accordint to the release, Bake was climbing when waves resulted in his fall from an icy rock ledge into Lake Superior.

The National Park Service and the U.S. Coast Guard are continuing their investigation and monitoring the situation pending further development.

Susan Reece, chief of interpretation and education at Pictured Rocks, told The Mining Journal that as of press time, no body had been found, and the search had been scaled back.

“Cold waters are rough,” Reece said.

Miners Castle is located about 5 miles east of Munising on Alger County Road H-58.

According to the National Park Service, It is one of the most famous landmarks along the Pictured Rocks shoreline, and is the only cliff area in the park accessible by vehicle.

Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.