Search Continues for Missing Man in St. Lawrence River, Montreal
A search operation is ongoing for a man who disappeared in the St. Lawrence River in Old Montreal on Sunday evening and has not been found.
Reports to Montreal police (SPVM) indicated that the man fell into the water near the Bonsecours Terrace around 6 p.m. on Sunday. It is believed that he entered the water voluntarily, and no foul play is suspected.
SPVM divers have resumed their search and rescue efforts on Monday morning, utilizing Sonar technology to aid in locating the missing individual, as confirmed by SPVM spokesperson Raphaël Bergeron.
Raynald Hawkins, the executive director of the Lifesaving Society of Quebec, stressed the time sensitivity of the situation, stating that the hours following the incident are crucial for the rescue mission.
Expressing hope for a successful outcome, Hawkins emphasized the importance of safety in and around water bodies. He highlighted the risks associated with swimming in rivers, cautioning against underestimating the hidden dangers of currents and vortexes that may not be visible on the surface.
Hawkins strongly recommended the use of flotation devices for anyone engaging in water-related activities, regardless of their swimming proficiency, to prevent tragic incidents like drownings.
As the search continues, it serves as a grim reminder of the potential hazards of water recreation, with data from the Lifesaving Society of Quebec showing that the number of drownings in the province in 2026 remains consistent with the figures from the previous year.
