OPP call off search for missing man

UPDATE: Nov 6 – The Ontario Provincial Police Prince Edward detachment has ended the search for 54-year old Gordon Alexander “Sandy” Rutherford, of Wellington, late Tuesday, Nov. 5. His body has not been recovered.

The OPP began the search for Rutherford the night of Oct. 19th, 2013 after he had not returned home from an afternoon of fishing on West Lake, Wellington.

Resources involved in the search included members of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre from CFB Trenton, the Wellington Coast Guard Auxiliary, OPP Marine officers, OPP Under Water Search and Recovery Unit (USRU), OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) members, OPP K-9 and members of the OPP-Prince Edward County detachment.

Search efforts were assisted by numerous volunteers, many being friends and family members.

The OPP stated appreciation to everyone who assisted in the search.  If anyone has information that may assist in locating Rutherford, they are asked to contact Prince Edward County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

-Nancy Parks photo

UPDATE Oct. 24: Prince Edward County OPP Marine officers continue searching the waters of West Lake in search of 54-year old Gordon Alexander “Sandy” Rutherford of Wellington.  The OPP Under Water Search and Recovery Unit concluded its underwater search efforts Wednesday afternoon.

The Rutherford family has expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and volunteer search efforts by local residents.
A prayer vigil was held for Sandy Rutherford Thursday afternoon at the Wellington United Church.

OCT. 21: Friends and family of Sandy Rutherford are praying he will be found as the search continues today at West Lake.

Prince Edward County OPP report Gordon Alexander “Sandy” Rutherford, 54 of Wellington, left his residence to go fishing on West Lake at 3:30pm, Oct. 19. When he didn’t return, family members reported him missing.

The OPP Under Water Search and Recovery Unit continues to search the lake in an attempt to locate Rutherford. The OPP’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) conducted a land search along the shores with no success.

His small Zodiac boat was found overturned near Cat Island Saturday evening. Friends are with heavy hearts as they do what they can to help and are forced to wait for news.

Search and Rescue crews from 424 Squadron at 8 Wing Trenton, Wellington Rescue Coast Guard Auxiliary and Prince Edward OPP joined forces in the search. Bright flares were cast in the evenings to light up the lake.

The search had started in the early evening on Saturday when Rutherford didn’t return home at suppertime.

A friend said Rutherford had an enjoyable day at Pumpkinfest with his grandchildren and also helped clean up, as he often did, with the ladies at the chicken and biscuit luncheon.

“West Lake was calm as could be Saturday afternoon when he left for fishing,” his friend reported, but the fear is something happened in the moments when the thunder, lightning and rain storm came up so quickly.

“Friends combing the shoreline so desperately want to find him, but at the same time, they don’t want to be the ones to find him. He is so well loved it is too much to bear. He was talking regularly about retiring from P&G and was starting to count the days.

“The whole village is in shock and sad. All through Sunday the hope was that he would be found alive. Prayers continue for him, and his family.”

If anyone has information about Rutherford, they are asked to contact the Prince Edward County OPP detachment at 613-476-2151 or the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.