A search to find two missing swimmers in Harrison Hot Springs was called off Wednesday, two days after the young men disappeared on Harrison Lake.
Six people were out on an inflatable raft Monday afternoon when police received a distress call from one of the passengers.
Kent Harrison Search and Rescue says when the wind picked up two men decided to swim back to shore, but never reached the beach.
The other passengers called police again several hours later to say they had safely paddled back to their rental unit in Harrison, but their two friends, aged 23 and 25, weren’t with them.
Searcher Marvin Anderson said teams scoured the shore of Harrison Lake Monday, and privately-owned helicopters joined the search the next day.
Cpl. Mike Rail said the search was suspended Wednesday after all efforts were exhausted to find the missing swimmers.
Searchers are now conducting a sonar examination of the lake bed.
“Outdoor tragedies are becoming far too common place this summer. RCMP would like to remind visitors to our area to be aware of their limitations and the environment while enjoying activities in our region” Cpl. Rail said in a statement issued to media.
The names of the swimmers have not been released.
