20-year-old man

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

The search continues for a 20-year-old man who went missing in the waters off Verdun Beach, near Lasalle Boulevard and De L’Église Street, following a suspected drowning Saturday evening.

Emergency crews were called to the scene around 5:24 p.m. Saturday after reports of a man in distress during a water sport activity. According to preliminary information provided by witnesses to investigators, the man began to struggle in the water. Several bystanders tried to reach him, but he disappeared beneath the surface before anyone could help.

The beach was quickly evacuated and cordoned off as search and rescue operations began. The Coast Guard, the nautical patrol of the Montreal fire department, and nautical division of Montreal police (SPVM) were all involved in the ongoing search, deploying multiple boats on the water. Authorities confirm that strong currents and high water levels continue to complicate recovery efforts.

SPVM spokesperson Antony Dorelas told The Suburban that the search remains ongoing.Dorelas confirmed that efforts to locate the missing man were still underway.

Verdun Beach, which runs along the St. Lawrence River, remains officially closed to the public until June 14. There were no lifeguards on duty at the time of the incident.

City officials warn that swimming or engaging in water activities in unsupervised areas is highly discouraged due to potentially hazardous river conditions.

Authorities are reminding residents to avoid water activities at closed beaches or in areas without lifeguards, particularly with dangerous river conditions at this time of year. n