Montreal police divers recovered a drowning victim in the St. Lawrence River near Verdun on Friday evening.
Martin Guilbault, division chief with the Montreal fire service, said the call came in at 4:45 p.m. Friday regarding a person who likely drowned near the borough’s beach.
The fire service deployed two boats, and Montreal police also deployed boats. The victim, a 22-year-old man, was located using sonar and cameras, he said.
The police service’s diving unit was then called in to recover the victim.
It is unclear how the victim ended up in the water.
Guilbault emphasized the importance of respecting personal limits while swimming and choosing places with lifeguard surveillance.
“Don’t go where there is no surveillance,” he said. “That’s very important, especially to respect your limits.”
On Saturday, Verdun Borough Mayor Marie-Andrée Mauger said in a post on social media that the drowning happened near the beach, but outside the area monitored by lifeguards.
She said the tragic incident is a reminder that the river is a powerful waterway whose depth can vary suddenly.
“On behalf of the members of the council, I offer my sincere condolences to the victim’s loved ones,” she said. “It’s the start of a long weekend that has taken an unexpected turn. We are with you in thoughts.”