Missing Saint John swimmer not found despite extensive search

Police in Saint John say a missing swimmer has not been found, despite an extensive search in the waters off the Digby Ferry Terminal.

Saint John Police said emergency crews were called to the area at around 11 p.m. Saturday, after it was reported the man had gone in the water earlier in the day to swim and did not return.

On Sunday, the swimmer was identified as Paul Davis, 57.

According to police, Davis was an “avid swimmer.” His belongings were found on the beach just south of the terminal.

“The Joint Rescue Coordination Center was contacted to dispatch a search and rescue team. Along with the Saint John Police and Saint John Fire Department, the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Armed Forces responded to the scene to assist with a search of the shoreline and waters by boat and helicopter,” police said.

As well, Provincial Airlines (PAL), Atlantic Towing, Bay Ferries, and regional Tri-County, Charlotte County, and River Valley Ground Search and Rescue Teams were on scene.

The search included parts of the shoreline and waters of the Saint John River, Saint John Harbour, and Bay of Fundy.

The operation was conducted throughout Saturday night and into Sunday evening.

“The Saint John Police would like to thank everyone who assisted in the search, which has concluded at this time,” police said in a Sunday evening update.

The Major Crime Unit and forensics have been called in to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to call Saint John Police Force at 1-506-648-3333.