Body recovered from East Lake – scene of three incidents in three days

The body of a young man, missing since Sunday while boating and swimming at East Lake, in Prince Edward County, has been recovered.

Members of the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit located the body of the 20-year-old male from the Toronto area this afternoon. They were assisted by members of Prince Edward County OPP and OPP Aviation Services.

The name of the deceased will not be released.

On Sunday, July 20 just before 6 p.m., officers were called to a location along County Road 11. It was reported that a group had been out in two canoes on East Lake when they decided to go swimming and were then unable to get back into the canoes. One person made it to shore, and a bystander went out in his boat and pulled two other individuals from the water. The fourth person could not be found.

The OPP thanks members of the Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue Service, and Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Service for assistance during the search effort.

Investigations are continuing into two suspected drownings in East Lake, in Prince Edward County over the weekend.

On Saturday, July 19 shortly before 6 p.m., Prince Edward OPP officers were called a resort on County Road 18. It was reported an individual had drowned.

When officers arrived, members of Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue, Hastings-Quinte Paramedics and civilians were attempting life-saving measures.

The individual was rushed to hospital but was later pronounced deceased. They have identified as a 51-year-old male from the Toronto area.

On Monday, July 21, police, fire and rescue were called to County Road 18 on East Lake when three youth swimmers were reported to be struggling to return to shore. Life jackets were not being worn.

The youth were reported to be safe on shore with no injuries.

The Ontario Provincial Police has responded to 10 marine fatalities in eastern Ontario so far this summer, reporting that’s more than double the number of drowning deaths at this time last year.

In each incident in the region this summer, the victim has not been wearing a life jacket.

“This is about education and changing the mindset to ensure everyone wears the proper gear, whether in a power boat or in a canoe. This is about coming home safely and ensuring that everyone, adults and children, are safe on or near the water,” stated Lisa Wilhelm, Chief Superintendent, OPP East Region Commander. This week is National Drowning Prevention Week.

A fourth incident occurred Wednesday, July  16 when two people were rescued without injuries after a float plane crashed landed on East Lake  in the Flakes Cove area at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue used a boat to rescue two occupants, who had managed to get out of the plane and onto a wing.