RCMP scales back search for missing young man in Chilliwack Lake

Chilliwack Lake was the scene of a search for a missing man this week. (The Progress file)

Swimmer headed out from lakeshore to retrieve a boat before disappearing beneath the water

Chilliwack RCMP scaled back the search Wednesday for a missing 18-year-old man at Chilliwack Lake.

Police say a call came in at about 4 p.m. Tuesday at Chilliwack RCMP asking for assistance at the south end of Chilliwack Lake.

Someone swimming from shore to retrieve a drifting boat had disappeared below the surface of the water, according to the caller.

Chilliwack RCMP officers supported by Chilliwack Search and Rescue (CSAR) members immediately initiated a search of the shoreline.

After completing a thorough search and exhausting all efforts to locate the missing man, police officials scaled back the search the next day.

“The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) is engaged,” said RCMP Cpl. Mike Rail spokesperson for the UFVRD.

“Chilliwack RCMP remain in close contact with family members of the missing person.”