Calgary man presumed drowned in Shuswap Lake

Salmon Arm RCMP and Search and Rescue have exhausted their efforts in locating a missing man after his fishing boat was found beached on Shuswap Lake.

Salmon Arm RCMP received a report of the beached boat May 1 around 8 a.m. Police attended Eagle Bay on Shuswap Lake and located the boat still in gear with the down riggers and fishing lines engaged. No one was aboard and after RCMP identified the owner of the boat, calls were made to the family in Calgary.

John Poole, 59, was said to be fishing on his boat but it is unknown when and where he may have entered the icy cold waters.

"Salmon Arm Search and rescue crews along with a helicopter were asked to patrol the lake in hopes of locating John Poole," Cst. Lesley Smith, North Okanagan District media relations officer said. "However, after an exhaustive search and lack of information as to where he may have fallen in, the search was concluded."

Witnesses say the boat was seen drifting the previous day with no one on board.

RCMP victim services are assisting the Poole family at this difficult time.

Anyone who may have information about this incident is asked to contact the Salmon Arm RCMP at (250)832-6044.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230.