COLD LAKE, Alta. – On Wednesday, the body of a 48-year-old man whose canoe capsized Sunday evening near English Bay on Cold Lake was recovered from the water.
The missing boater from Cold Lake was located with the assistance of Cold Lake Fire Rescue, Search and Rescue and the Central Alberta Rescue Diving Society.
The man, who has not been identified by police, was canoeing with a woman when the vessel they were in flipped over, according to reports the RCMP received from witnesses to the incident.
Cold Lake RCMP and emergency crews responded to the call that came in just before 9 p.m. on July 31. Crews were then dispatched to Cold Lake First Nation Treaty Grounds near Janvier Gallery.
A 49-year-old woman who was also in the canoe made it to shore where she was assessed by EMS.
An extensive search was then carried out both on the water and on shore to locate the missing male boater.
According to a police advisory released following the incident, the pair capsized in a portion of water that was estimated to be about 40 feet deep. The man was also reported to not be wearing a life jacket.
“Cold Lake RCMP send their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” stated a media release by RCMP.
On Aug. 3, following the recovery of the boater, Bonnyville Search and Rescue released a statement that read, “We send our condolences to the family. And while sad, (we) are at least comforted with the knowledge that the family now has closure.”
The non-profit rescue society went on to include resources for mental health support in the wake of the unexpected and tragic loss of a Cold Lake community member.
Bonnyville Mental Health Services: 780-826-2402
Cold Lake Mental Health Services: 780-639-4922
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 686868
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
