The recovery operation for a 25-year-old Ontario man who was swept into the ocean at Peggy's Cove, N.S., was put on hold Thursday because of rough waters.
The RCMP in Nova Scotia said conditions in the area made it difficult to conduct a search.
"We'd have to cover the area close to the rocks and because of … the current and the waves, we run the risk of being pushed up against the rocks," Const. Darryn Sampson, an RCMP dive supervisor, told CTV Atlantic.
The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team plans to reassess the weather conditions on Friday morning.
RCMP were called to the popular tourist spot around noon Wednesday shortly after the man was knocked into the sea by a large wave. He and his girlfriend had been walking along the rocks in an area near the water where there are signs warning tourists to stay back.
Mark Quibell, manager of the nearby Sou'Wester Restaurant, said he rushed to the scene and the woman told him her boyfriend had been standing on one of the black rocks when a big wave came up.
"And next thing she knew, he was gone under the water,” Quibell said. “She said she could see him for maybe a minute or two and then after that she lost sight of him."
Quibell said the water was choppy and it was foggy at the time, making it hard to see into the water.
Coast Guard ships, a search-and-rescue helicopter, fishing boats and police were called to the area but were unable to find the man.
RCMP Cpl. Greg Church said there have been similar incidents at the popular tourist destination over the years.
"The risk is always there,” he said. "It's a risky area to sightsee in."
Mark Furey, Nova Scotia's municipal affairs minister, says that the province will consider beefing up safety measures in the area, such as through a barrier or increased signage.
"If we can provide another level of public safety, and at the same time provide public access, I think that's what we would all want to achieve."
With files from The Canadian Press and CTV Atlantic's Sarah Ritchie
