17-year-old boy presumed dead after boat capsizes on B.C. lake

The southern part of Stony Lake is seen in this image. (Credit: sitesandtrailsbc.ca)

A 17-year-old boy is presumed to have drowned after the boat he was in capsized on a lake in B.C.’s Cariboo region over the weekend, according to authorities.

Officers with the Quesnel RCMP were called to Stony Lake Saturday evening forreports of four people in the water, the detachment said in a statement Monday.

“Three individuals were able to safely make their way to shore; however, the operator of the boat did not surface and could not be located,” Mounties said.

“Extensive search efforts have been undertaken but have not yet resulted in locating the missing youth.”

The teen is from Prince George, and police say his nest of kin has been notified.

“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones as they cope with this tragic loss,” RCMP spokesperson Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said, in the statement.

The RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team is expected to arrive to search the lake on Tuesday.

Last week, the B.C. Coroners Service noted a significant increase in accidental drowning deaths this year, when compared to the same three-month period last year.

In 2025, there were five accidental drowning fatalities between March and May. In 2026, there were nine.

“Warmer weather brings more opportunities for adventures, and more risks,” said Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner, in a statement.

“Remember to put safety first to avoid preventable tragedies.”

Between 2015 and 2025, there were 137 drowning deaths among people boating in the province, according to data from the coroners service.