It was a tragic end to a search for a missing kayaker who fell into waters off the east coast of Vancouver Island when his body was recovered Sunday night.
Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue says two young men, both 23, launched their kayaks from Union Bay with a plan to paddle to the nearby Tree Island around 11 p.m. on Saturday.
The men ended up in the water and one of the two made it to shore to signal an alarm for help.
Search manager Paul Berry says rescue teams and the coast guard worked through the night and while they located the kayaks much further north from where the pair entered the water, they could not find the missing man.
His body was recovered Sunday evening.
The man who made it to shore was treated for hypothermia in hospital and has since been released.
The deceased has been identified as Thomas Butcher, of Courtenay.
With files from The Canadian Press
