Victoria Day ended tragically for a group of canoers, following a fatal boating accident on the Burntwood River north of the City of Thompson, Manitoba.
On Monday, May 22, 2017, Thompson RCMP and Thompson Fire and Emergency Services were advised of a group of four overdue canoers who were out paddling on the Burntwood River at a location north of the City of Thompson.
As a result of the advisory, police officers and fire fighters launched two rescue boats and initiated a water search of the Burntwood River. Police say that a helicopter was also chartered for the search, as well, several people boating in the area participated in helping to find the missing boaters.
RCMP report that the missing canoe was located overturned in the river and the four canoers were located deceased in the water. The male victims were all residents of Thompson and ranged in age from six to 44. All were wearing flotation devices.
“This is the worst result imaginable,” said Sergeant Ben Sewell of the Thompson RCMP. “Thank you to everyone involved in the search. This is a devastating accident that has left the community of Thompson in mourning.”
