Man missing, another dead after canoe capsizes in Kananaskis lake

A canoe trip in Kananaskis has turned tragic, with one man dead and the search ongoing for another man, presumed to have drowned.

Alberta RCMP say one person is dead and another is still missing and presumed drowned after a canoe capsized on Barrier Lake in Kananaskis Country over the weekend.

Cochrane RCMP were called to the lake at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Investigators say there were three people in the canoe when it capsized—a 30-year-old man from Calgary and his parents, visiting from China.

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“The 30-year-old male from Calgary is missing and presumed to have drowned,” said Staff Sgt. Chad Fournier with the Cochrane RCMP on Monday.

“Unfortunately, the father is deceased as well. His body was recovered at the time of the incident.

“The mother was taken to a hospital in Calgary for treatment for hypothermia.”

Mounties said searches for the 30-year-old had thus far been unsuccessful.

Underwater Search Team was tasked by the RCMP to search Barrier Lake.

Investigation into the incident continues, but police say no foul play is suspected.

Fournier called it “a tragic incident,” saying it appears strong winds and large waves capsized the canoe.

“The Foothills region in Kananaskis and the national parks is very unpredictable, so the weather can change very quickly with rain, cold weather, high winds,” Fournier said.

“So people need to be prepared for all types of weather and quick changes. And the water is quite often glacier-fed, so it’s very cold.”

Barrier Lake is located about 70 kilometres west of Calgary.

With files from Jordan Kanygin