Search paused for two missing canoers on Upper Kananaskis lake due to high winds

A tragic incident unfolded on Upper Kananaskis Lake as a canoe carrying four people capsized, leading to a search for two missing individuals in their 30s. The rescue mission was put on hold due to hazardous weather conditions, with plans to resume the search the following day.

Cochrane RCMP and Kananaskis Emergency Services responded to the distress call around 4 p.m. after the canoe overturned. While a 30-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were rescued by bystanders on boats and paddleboards, two others remained unaccounted for.

“The search has been delayed right now due to high winds that are making the water treacherous, however, there is a plan in place,” said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff. Rescue crews intend to utilize sonar technology to scan the lake for any anomalies before potentially deploying divers to assist in the search efforts.

It was noted that none of the boaters were wearing life jackets, highlighting the importance of water safety measures, especially in glacier-fed lakes like Upper Kananaskis. The group involved in the incident consisted of seven foreign tourists exploring the area.

Upper Kananaskis Lake, situated in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, is known for its cold glacier-fed waters that pose risks to boaters and swimmers alike. This unfortunate event occurred just over a week after a fatal canoe accident at Barrier Lake, where two men lost their lives and a woman was hospitalized due to hypothermia.

Authorities have assured that more information will be provided as the search progresses. The community remains hopeful for a positive outcome as efforts continue to locate the missing individuals. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.