Updated at 8:45 p.m. Oct. 28:
There is a sad ending to the search for a senior who disappeared into the rapids of the Wanapitei River Oct. 27.
Shortly before 5:20 p.m. Oct. 28, members of the OPP Search and Recovery Team located the body of the 68-year-old man underwater near the rapids where the original incident occurred.
"Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends," said Greater Sudbury Police. "His name will not be released out of respect for the family’s wishes. We would like to thank the Ontario Provincial Police for its assistance with this matter."
Original story:
Emergency services personnel continue to search the Wanapitei River for a man who disappeared into the rapids Oct. 27.
Greater Sudbury Police say that at around 4:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to Wanapitei River in the area of Highway 537 and Estaire Road in relation to a missing person.
Two individuals were in a small aluminum boat near the rapids, when the boat tipped, causing one of the individuals, a 68-year-old man, to fall out of the boat.
Members of Greater Sudbury Fire Services Water Rescue entered the water, while paramedics deployed the Argo (an amphibious all-terrain vehicle) to drive the shoreline.
Upon arrival at the scene, members of the Greater Sudbury Police Search and Rescue Unit launched our boat and began searching the area.
Additional officers, including the Greater Sudbury Police K9 Unit, took part in the ground search, while the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operator conducted an aerial search.
Search efforts continued throughout the night, but the man was not located.
“Crews deployed one boat, two inflatable crafts and entered the water to conduct a search,” said a social media post by the Sudbury Professional Firefighters Association.
“Rope systems were built to assist water rescue personnel in searching the swift water to cover as much area as possible. Fire personnel postponed the in-water search at nightfall.
“GSPS remained on scene and continued an aerial and ground search throughout the night. OPP Search and Recovery Teams will be assisting GSPS with the extensive search today.”
Greater Sudbury Police said the OPP Search and Recovery Team and helicopter will be assisting with the search efforts throughout the day.
“Members of our Search and Rescue Team, K9 Unit and Patrol Operations will continue with the extensive ground search,” said Sudbury police.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to Greater Sudbury Fire and Paramedic Services for the search efforts and assistance during the initial response to this incident.”