A Vernon man is the suspected victim of a long-weekend drowning in Kamloops.
The man is believed to have drowned after being caught in the current of the Thompson River at McArthur Island.
Kamloops RCMP received the report at about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. Despite ongoing searches, the man has not been found.
“So far, police have searched the area by boat, plane, and drone,” said Cpl. Crystal Evelyn, Kamloops RCMP media relations officer, as of Wednesday, Aug. 3. “The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team is also engaged in the investigation. The search is ongoing.”
Staff-Sgt. Kelly Butler said witnesses told police the man was swept away by the current and did not resurface.
“Civilians attempted to assist, but were unable to reach him and several boats in the area also responded, but were also unable to locate the male,” Butler said.
An extensive search was conducted by Kamloops Fire and Rescue and the RCMP.
Butler said the RCMP underwater recovery team will be attending to assist in further attempts to recover the missing male.
Butler said the victim is from out of town and she believes Vernon is his hometown. Several local residents have also informed The Morning Star that he was from Vernon.
The tragic incident occurred during a soccer tournament on McArthur Island.
“Kamloops RCMP would like to remind the public that the currents in the river are unpredictable and the riverbed contains many sudden drop-offs,” Butler said. “Caution should be exercised and PFD’s worn when around moving water.”
- with files from Kamloops This Week
READ MORE: RCMP, Coroner investigating two sudden deaths in Greater Vernon
READ MORE: RCMP still searching for missing Vernon man
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