Strong winds may have contributed to a tragedy on Lake Winnipeg Saturday afternoon, say Manitoba RCMP.
The incident, near Belair, Man., resulted in the death of a 73-year-old after a boat capsized.
Three other men, aged 37, 48 and 65, were rescued and taken to hospital, while another man, 42-year-old Nour Ali — a prominent member of Winnipeg’s Syrian-Kurdish community who works with newcomers — remains missing.
The man who was killed, Hamza Ali, was Nour’s father.
“They have asked to convey appreciation for everyone’s thoughts, prayers and offers to help, and for the helpful assistance of community members, the RCMP, and other local authorities.”
The statement says Ali, his wife, and two teenage daughters arrived in Winnipeg in 2012. The family became citizens in 2018 “which they are very proud of.”
Ali would go on to found his own company, Thank You Canada, and the community organization Kurdish Initiative for Refugees Inc.
According to the spokesperson, Ali and his wife left their home country of Syria in 2006 and 2008 respectively before travelling across China and Macau.
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Rescue teams are continuing to search for Ali , but RCMP admitted it will be a challenge.
“We all know Lake Winnipeg and how huge that lake is, and how conditions can change in an instant, really,” RCMP Cpl. Julie Courchaine told 680 CJOB.
“It’s a large area, the current can be very strong and moving a lot.
“We had a family member out there on our boat trying to help with the exact location on exactly where the boat capsized, and trying to get as much information so hopefully we can find this missing 42-year-old as soon as possible.”
Jennifer Chen, a friend of the missing man, told 680 CJOB described him as a person known for his kindness and as “a man with a warm heart and helping hands”.
“I’m still in shock with this news,” she said.
“I think everyone who knows Nour is praying for him since Saturday night.
“He was always willing to lend a hand to whoever needs help. He was always there for the community — not only the Kurdish and Syrian community, but everyone, every community.”
Chen said Ali’s giving spirit is a big reason why so many Winnipeggers have been offering support to his family, both at the scene of the incident and behind closed doors.
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