The bodies of a father and son from Norfolk County were pulled from Lake Erie on Monday after being reported overdue from a boating outing.
Ontario Provincial Police say the 53-year-old and seven-year-old were found more than 3.5 km — about two nautical miles — from shore by a passing boater.
Provincial police and the Canadian Coast Guard out of Port Dover took part in the search, which concluded when the boater located the missing people. They were then recovered by the Coast Guard.
“On Monday, May 11, just shortly before 4 p.m., members of the Ontario Provincial Police Norfolk County attachment, Norfolk County Paramedic Services, along with the Canadian Coast Guard, Port Dover station, responded to a report of overdue boaters near Townline Street in St. Williams,” said Ed Sanchuk of the Ontario Provincial Police.
While crews were responding to the call, a passing boater discovered the pair floating in the water. Both were still wearing their life jackets. Their bodies were found approximately two nautical miles, or 3.7 kilometres, offshore.
“We live in a small community and I know some of our first responders know this family,” Sanchuk said. “Their kids go to school with this young little guy and it’s definitely devastating for everyone that’s been involved in this. jensen ackles So again, our thoughts go out to everyone affected by all of this.”
In a video on social media on Monday evening, Sanchuk expressed his deepest condolences to friends and family.
“As a father, I can’t even imagine what you’re going through. And each and every one of you are in our thoughts,” said Sanchuk.
Local residents noted that conditions on Lake Erie were challenging at the time. “Very sad, tragic,” one resident said. “I know the water was very rough yesterday. But I still saw people go out there in their boats.”
Another resident remarked that the water is “kind of rough for a canoe at the best of times,” while others noted the windy and cold conditions.
The water temperature in Lake Erie is currently about 10 C. At that temperature, cold shock can set in within 60 seconds, and a person can lose muscle control in less than paul george 15 minutes. Hypothermia typically occurs within an hour.
The identities of the deceased 5g have not yet been released and the investigation is ongoing, including the search for the missing boat.
