10/28/2025
UPDATE: Police say that shortly before 5:20 p.m. this evening, October 28, 2025, members of the OPP Search and Recovery Team located the body of the 68-year-old, man under water near the rapids where the original incident occurred. They thanked the OPP for their assistance.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. His name will not be released out of respect for the family’s wishes.
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Massive Search Effort on Wanapitei River After Boating Incident Involving 68-Year-Old Man
GREATER SUDBURY - October 28, 2025 – Emergency crews continue to search for a missing 68-year-old man after a boating incident on the Wanapitei River Monday afternoon.
Around 4:25 p.m. on October 27, officers were called to the area of Highway 537 and Estaire Road following reports that a small aluminum boat had overturned near the rapids. Two individuals were in the boat at the time, and one man fell into the water when it tipped.
Greater Sudbury Fire and Paramedic Services responded quickly to the scene. Members of the fire service’s water rescue team entered the river, while paramedics used an Argo vehicle to search along the shoreline. Police Search and Rescue teams also launched their own boat to assist, supported by the K9 Unit and a remotely piloted drone conducting aerial sweeps of the area.
Despite extensive efforts, the missing man was not located overnight.
On Tuesday, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Search and Recovery Team and an OPP helicopter joined the ongoing search, working alongside Greater Sudbury Police Service’s Search and Rescue Team, K9 Unit, and patrol officers.
Authorities say search operations will continue throughout the day and thanked Greater Sudbury Fire and Paramedic Services for their swift response and assistance during the initial phase of the rescue effort.
Anyone with information about the incident or who may have seen activity on the Wanapitei River near Highway 537 and Estaire Road on Monday afternoon is urged to contact Greater Sudbury Police.