Young man accidentally drowns in Lac La Biche area lake

An 18-year-old man drowned in a Lac La Biche area lake Saturday afternoon, RCMP said.

Mounties responded to the Kikino Silver Birch Resort at approximately 1:30 p.m. when the 18-year-old was seen struggling in the water. Mounties said the victim was on an inflatable raft, and then jumped off and had difficulties swimming. He did not resurface from the lake.

Crews attempted to locate the male Saturday, but the search was called off at approximately 8 p.m. due to low light conditions, RCMP said.

The victim was located at 10:30 a.m. Sunday with the use of an underwater camera, police said.

The 18-year-old will be retrieved from the lake with the resources of an underwater dive team, RCMP said.

Next of kin has been notified.