Skip to content

Kamsack drowning reported by RCMP

RCMP from Kamsack Detachment and the RCMP Under Water Recovery Team (URT) have been on the scene of a drowning that happened late in the afternoon on April 23.

RCMP from Kamsack Detachment and the RCMP Under Water Recovery Team (URT) have been on the scene of a drowning that happened late in the afternoon on April 23. 

The RCMP and Kamsack Volunteer Fire Department (KVFD) were called to the shores of the Assiniboine River at the Kamsack Golf Course for persons in distress.  

When police and fire personal arrived there was a 44-year-old female attempting to rescue a 30-year-old male who was hanging from a log at the dam. 

Police, fire rescue personnel and bystanders attempted to save the male and then the female when she fell into the water trying to assist the male. The female was retrieved from the water, but rescuers lost sight of the male as he went under the water.

The male is now believed to be deceased and lost in the turbulent current created around the dam.

The Under Water Recovery Team was on scene and attempted to retrieve the male from the dangerous waters and is also searching the shore lines down the Assiniboine River.

Update

The body of Ernest Severight has not been recovered yet despite massive efforts. The spring runoff and turbulent waters in area where he was last seen are very dangerous and the RCMP is warning people in the area to stay away from the river at this time of the year.

The search for Severight has been extensive and is still ongoing. The URT searched the area for two days using sonar, visual and underwater searches in very hazardous conditions with negative results. All of the areas that could be searched under water have been covered. 

The search has been hampered by strong currents and poor visibility under water. The surface of the river has been searched down stream using boats, shore patrols, visual and manual methods with the assistance of Kamsack Fire (KVFD.) 

An aerial drone has also been used in the area with the assistance of the Yorkton Forensic Identification Section.  A Search and rescue plane is being used over the next few days for a wider search area. The Saskatchewan Water Security Agency has been consulted in regards to the expected water flow over the next few days.

The search is expected to continue over the next few days if required.