The body of a missing 17-year-old boy who was presumed drowned in Sproat Lake was located and recovered on Monday, November 13th.
The incident unfolded on November 11th, just before 1:30 p.m., when Port Alberni RCMP responded to a distress call reporting a capsized canoe with three individuals on board.
The canoe sank approximately 1.5 kilometers across the lake, leading to a desperate rescue effort.
Upon arrival, it was discovered that two of the occupants, both 16-years-old, had managed to tread water for an hour before being rescued by other boaters.
However, the third person, a 17-year-old male, remained unaccounted for and was subsequently the subject of an extensive search by marine and land-based Search and Rescue Units, RCMP Air Services, RCMP Underwater Recovery Team, and community members.
On Monday November 13th at 5 p.m., the search concluded tragically when the body of the missing youth was located submerged in approximately 120 feet of water, near the last known location where he was seen treading water after the canoe capsized.
The BC Coroners Service attended the scene to conduct their investigation.
The identity of the deceased has been verified by his family, and police have confirmed that his death is not considered criminal in nature.
RCMP say the teen’s death is not considered criminal in nature.
