Castlegar RCMP are trying to find a missing man who is believed to have been swept away in the Columbia River and may have drowned.
On Sunday around 9:30 p.m. police say they responded to multiple reports of a lone man in distress in the river. Witnesses reported seeing the man being carried downstream by the current. A backpack believed to belong to the man was later located along the shoreline.
Castlegar Search and Rescue, South Columbia Search and Rescue, and local fire departments attended the scene and searched for the man using boats and drones. Police say despite these efforts, the man hasn’t yet been located and the search remains ongoing.
“The man has been tentatively identified; however, confirmation will not occur until he is located,” said Sgt. Monty Taylor of the Castlegar RCMP. “While we remain hopeful that he may be found safely, there is an unfortunately high likelihood that he has drowned.”
Police say it’s not clear how the man entered the water.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact the Castlegar RCMP at 250-365‑7721.
