Search for Missing Boater Nears Third Day Near Cherry Beach
The intensive search for a man believed to have drowned in Lake Ontario after his inflatable boat capsized near Cherry Beach is now entering its third day. The incident unfolded around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday when emergency services were dispatched to the city’s east end. Reports indicate an inflatable vessel carrying two individuals began to lose air and subsequently sank in the water.
According to officials, one of the men aboard the sinking boat, along with a dog, was successfully rescued by a passing civilian vessel. This Good Samaritan then transferred the man and the animal to awaiting police and paramedics. The rescued individual, estimated to be in his 40s, sustained injuries that are not considered life-threatening. However, the second man from the boat remains unaccounted for.
Shift to Recovery Operation
The search efforts were temporarily suspended overnight on Wednesday due to darkness. Authorities have since transitioned the operation into a recovery mission, a clear indication that officials now believe the missing man has drowned. Senior Duty Officer Errol Watson of the Toronto Police stated, “We realize this is a tragic event and our thoughts are with those impacted.”
Throughout Thursday, the marine unit dedicated extensive resources to scouring the lake. This included the deployment of divers, multiple boats, sonar technology, and an underwater drone. Despite these efforts, the search was again halted as nightfall approached.
Ongoing Efforts and Public Advisory
On Friday morning, Toronto police confirmed that the search, now in its third day, was recommencing. “Recovery efforts will resume this morning, but I cannot confirm what time the search will begin,” a police spokesperson indicated early this morning. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when on the water and to report any suspicious activity to the police.
