‘We’re still hoping to find him’: Search for missing N.B. kayaker continues

Teams are still searching for a missing kayaker in Shediac, N.B.

The search for a missing kayaker in the Shediac, N.B., area continued into Friday evening.

Chris Collins, a search manger with Tri-Couty Ground Search and Rescue, said as of 6 p.m. there were still five teams searching for Luc Bourgeois.

“Three boats, there’s people doing a shoreline search of Caissie Cape. We just finished a search of Shediac Island,” said Collins.

Bourgeois has been missing since early Thursday afternoon.

He left the Pointe-du-Chene Wharf in his kayak Thursday morning, but hasn’t been seen since around 1 p.m. that day.

Collins said the plan was to keep looking until around 8 p.m.

A CH-148 Cormorant and drones were also being used in the search.

“We still have hope. We’re still in the hopeful end and that’s what we do until someone tells us to do something else,” said Collins. “We’re still hoping to find him and we’re looking.”

Collins said 20 members from Tri-Couty Ground Search and Rescue were involved in Friday’s rescue as well as members from other agencies and volunteers.

Maj. Trevor Ackland, a spokesperson for the Joint Task Atlantic/Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax, said family members of the missing person contacted the Coast Guard on Thursday around 3 p.m. saying a family member went out on a yellow kayak, but did not return.

“Multiple agencies are involved, including Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Halifax, the RCMP, Canadian Coast Guard and civilian volunteers,” said Ackland in an email.

Chloe Allain was handing out flyers on the Pointe-du-Chene Wharf for her missing cousin Luc Bourgeois on Friday.

Allain said her cousin left the wharf Thursday morning and his kayak and life jacket were later found near Caissie-Cape.

She said search and rescue teams started looking for the 34-year-old right away.

“They looked all night,” said Allain.

Allain said a lot of friends and family are also actively searching for Bourgeois.

“Everybody who can help and wants to help is helping,” said Allain. “Everybody is looking, and I truly believe we are going to find him.”

Just after noon, Allain posted an update on Facebook.

“We are still actively searching for Luc. His kayak, life jacket and phone have been found, but key things like his fishing gear, sandals, and swimsuit are still missing,” she posted.

Police describe Bourgeois as being about five-foot-six and 170 pounds.

He also has long curly brown hair, a beard, and brown eyes.

Police say he was last seen wearing black shorts, a blue and gray lifejacket, a Bass Pro Shops hat, sunglasses, and black Under Armour sandals.

“We’re hopeful because we know he’s strong and going to come back,” Allain said. “He has a seven-year-old son waiting for him at home and he’s going to come back for his son.”

Allain said the family dealt with tragedy five years ago when Luc’s brother died in a car crash.

Anyone who has seen Bourgeois, or has information that could help find him, is asked to call the Shediac RCMP at 506-533-5151.

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