Slocan Lake search scaled back

RCMP in the Kootenays say they’re scaling back the search for three young men missing, and believed drowned, including one from Gibsons.

21 year-old Hayden Kyle was one of 4 people in a canoe that capsized on Slocan Lake May 10th.  Only one person from the group was found.  A 19 year-old woman from New Denver.

Vernon Search and Rescue, and the group Bruce’s Legacy  have been working with sonar and an underwater remote vehicle, but without success.

The involvement of Bruce’s Legacy, a U.S. volunteer group that helps recover the bodies of drowning victims, comes through a chance meeting when a float plane to Nanaimo was cancelled in February.

The group tells the story on its website.  Kathy Nicholls of Nanaimo was also supposed to be on the flight and helped the group get to the ferry and make their way to Nanaimo.  Tragically one of the missing young men, 18 year-old Skye Donnet, is her grandson.  Kathy contacted the group last week and asked if they could help.

RCMP Sgt Darryl Little says it’s been decided to carry on the search with just one boat as of Monday.