Search now a recovery mission for missing boater on Sylvan Lake

RCMP now say their search for a missing boater on Sylvan Lake is a recovery mission.

“As of today, the RCMP resources are no longer out on the lake searching,” Cpl. Laurel Scott said Friday. “We’ve pulled back our resources and now it becomes a matter of waiting. I know that the family is doing some of their own searching but we feel we’ve exhausted our efforts.”

A 43-year-old man was reported missing on Sunday when he disappeared after his boat capsized near Sunbreaker Cove.

RCMP said at the time, there were three adults and a 10-year-old child in the boat when a storm hit the lake; all four people fell into the water when the boat overturned.

Two of the adults and the child were able swim to shore.

The missing boater was last seen in the water and is believed to have been injured when the boat capsized.

“We had some information early on that after the boat capsized, this man was possibly hit in the back of the head by the boat and was seen… floating on the lake,” Scott said. “So, we know that we’re looking for somebody who has not likely survived.”

Friends have identified the man as Jason Groulx.

RCMP said as of Thursday, the Sylvan Lake Fire Department, Red Deer County and Alberta Parks conservation officers and RCMP officers were involved in the recovery.

“Several agencies were supporting the search and out working hard,” Scott said. “It’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to locate him.

“It’s a difficult time for the family,” Scott said. “We know that this is very tragic. We offer condolences to the family… we know that they’re waiting for an outcome.”