Heart-stopping photos show huge wave sweep man off Lake Michigan pier

Heart-pounding photos capture the moment a man was swept into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan and then rescued by a quick-thinking bystander.

The man ended up in the icy drink in South Haven around 5:40 p.m. Friday after apparently walking out to the end of the pier to take photos.

Huge waves suddenly crashed over the pier, and the 57-year-old man was swept into the violent waves, 13 ABC reported.

The situation looked grim as huge swells raged around the pier, but a good Samaritan tossed a life ring to the victim in the water, and he grabbed it, and a second person was able to help haul him to safety.

Photos show the soaked man laying down on the pier and looking exhausted afterward as bystanders wearing full winter attire tended to him.

First responders eventually arrived, and the man was taken to a hospital and is believed to be OK.

The pier he was on had been closed down because of high winds and waves at the time he was swept off.

The man could face a $1,000 fine for being on the pier while it was closed, according to 13 ABC.

Numerous signs line the pier warning people to keep off it in wet or windy conditions.