On September 8, 2010, at about 2pm, Lac du Bonnet RCMP were dispatched to the McArthur Falls Generating Station on the Winnipeg River.
Witnesses had reported that an 80-year-old man from Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba, had been fishing for minnows near the McArthur Falls Generating Station when he had fallen into the fast moving river. The witnesses had been fishing on the opposite side of the river were unable to get to the man and had notified police and hydro employees.
Manitoba Hydro employees launched a boat to search for the man and were joined by boats from RCMP and local fire services. Efforts to locate the man were unsuccessful and he is presumed drowned.
Initial investigation revealed that the man had climbed over a safety barrier and had lost his footing, falling into the fast moving water.
The RCMP Underwater Recovery Unit assessed the scene and it was determined that due to the extremely dangerous and fast moving waters, an underwater search would not be possible. Police continue to search the area by boat.
Police continue to investigate.
Cst. Miles Hiebert
RCMP Media Relations
Tel:(204)983-8497
