Search for missing Sylvan Lake boater turns to recovery

A man who went missing after the boat he was in capsized on Sylvan Lake Sunday afternoon is presumed dead.

Cpl. Laurel Scott with RCMP Media Relations confirms a search and rescue mission for the 43-year-old man has become a recovery effort.

Sylvan Lake RCMP, Sylvan Lake Fire Dept., Red Deer County and Alberta Parks crews continue to search for the man’s body, with Scott saying it’s a top priority to make a recovery.

It was shortly after 4 p.m. Sunday when the boat the man was in along with two other adults and a 10-year-old child set out from Sunbreaker Cover. A storm hit about ten minutes later, overturning the boat and throwing all four occupants from it.

Three of them were able to stay with the boat and eventually swim to shore with the assistance of their personal floatation devices. The missing male was last seen in the water after possibly being injured when the boat capsized.

Ground School Training

New aviation career pathway elevates opportunities for students

53m ago

4-7 p.m. Wednesday

City to host downtown parking feedback session

3h ago

Albertafirebans.ca

Fire advisories, restrictions, and bans in place for much of central Alberta

3h ago

The names of those involved are not being released by RCMP. 

In addition to police efforts, friends of the man and his family are organizing a search event for 10 a.m. this Saturday at Sunbreaker Cove. Some canoes with life vests will be provided for volunteers. Those with boats of their own are also welcome to help out. 

“The family needs to find their loved one to give them proper closure and to properly give this man who is a father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle [the love] he deserves,” a family spokesperson told rdnewsNOW, declining to comment any further at this time. 

A dog who was on the boat when it capsized on Sunday is also missing. Searchers are also on the lookout for “Roper,” a male black and white border collie.