The Port Alberni RCMP say the body of a missing teen, who was presumed drowned in Sproat Lake on Saturday, was located Monday.
Just before 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Port Alberni RCMP were called to the lake for a report of a missing 17-year-old male after a canoe with three people on board had capsized and sank.
Two others, both 16-years-old, tread water for about an hour before being rescued by other boaters, according to RCMP in a news release.
An extensive search for the missing teenager was conducted by marine and land-based Search and Rescue Units and RCMP.
The lake is located in Sproat Lake Provincial Park, and parkgoers told CHEK News Sunday they were hoping for a positive outcome.
“It’s very cold out there and wouldn’t take long for something bad to happen,” said James Van Dam.
Police say the body of the missing youth was located and recovered around 5 p.m. Monday, submerged in approximately 120 feet of water, from the last location where he was seen treading water after the canoe capsized.
RCMP say the teen’s death is not considered criminal in nature.
READ PREVIOUS: One missing, two rescued after canoe sinks on Sproat Lake
CHEK News
