Kayaker lost on Kalamalka Lake presumed drowned

Vernon RCMP say a missing kayaker caught in a storm on Kalamalka Lake earlier this week is presumed drowned.

Police have identified the kayaker as 26-year-old Eli Buruca.

According to a Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, Buruca got caught in a storm on Kal Lake, July 24.

He was paddling with a group who managed to get to the west shore of the lake. He then left them to kayak to Kal Beach but never made it.

Police say an extensive search using boats, a drone and RCMP divers has continued for several days without success.

"The family has been involved from the outset and this sombre reality has been discussed with them," Vernon RCMP spokesperson Const. Chris Terleski said in a statement. "This remains a missing person investigation which will continue until the person is found. At the outset, we’re always hopeful for a favourable outcome and despite the best efforts of everyone involved, their loved one is still missing and our hearts go out (to) them."

Police say the search has been scaled back and Vernon Search and Rescue will continue to conduct searches on the lake over the next several days.

The same storm also capsized a commercial vessel on Okanagan Lake at the same time. The captain has been identified in the media as Travis Van Hill.

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