Missing kayaker on Kalamalka Lake presumed drowned – Okanagan | 24CA News
A lacking kayaker within the Okanagan is presumed drowned.
That’s in accordance with the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, who issued an announcement on Thursday afternoon at 2:30 p.m., roughly 70 hours after Eli Buruca disappeared.
Police say the 26-year-old was kayaking on Kalamalka Lake on Monday night when a storm abruptly rolled in. He was reported lacking round 11 p.m.
“Vernon Search and Rescue and RCMP resources responded and initiated a search on the lake. However, the person was not located,” stated police.
“There is no indication the man made it to shore and is presumed to have drowned.”
In their preliminary launch concerning the lacking man, RCMP stated he was amongst a bunch of kayakers when the storm blew in.
“After encountering rough conditions, the group was able to land on the west side of the lake,” stated police. “One of the men in the group left in an attempt to paddle back across the lake to Kalamalka beach. The man was not seen again and his kayak has since been recovered.”
RCMP stated the seek for Buruca was in depth and concerned boats, a drone and RCMP divers. They added that crews searched the lake’s north finish, with out success.
“The search has been scaled back, but (Vernon Search and Rescue) will continue to conduct searches on the lake at various times over the course of the next several days,” stated RCMP.
In releasing the person’s id, police stated the household was concerned from the outset “and this sombre reality has been discussed with them.”
“This remains a missing person investigation which will continue until the person is found,” stated Const. Chris Terleski.
“At the outset, we’re always hopeful for a favourable outcome and despite the best efforts of everyone involved, their loved one is still missing and our hearts go out to them.”
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