A search is ongoing for a swimmer who went missing in Lake Erie yesterday afternoon, prompting the closure of Port Burwell beach.
Emergency crews were called to the scene at approximately 3:05 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, after reports of two swimmers in distress in the waters off the beach in the Municipality of Bayham.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), one of the swimmers was rescued and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The second swimmer failed to resurface and remains unaccounted for.
Elgin County OPP, Medavie EMS, Bayham Fire, and Central Elgin Fire all responded to the call. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton also joined the OPP in the search operation.
Sgt. Ed Sanchuk with the West Region OPP provided an update just before 9 a.m. Monday, stating this is now a recovery effort.
Sandchuk added “Our deepest condolences go out to all family and friends affected by this tragedy.”
Further updates will be provided as they become available.