The Lambton County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were notified on March 21, 2015 at approximately 9:00 p.m., of a sighting of what was reported to be a person observed on an ice flow in the St. Clair River, under the Bluewater Bridge.
The OPP immediately commenced an extensive search of the area. They were assisted by the Sarnia Police Department, the Point Edward Fire Department, the Sarnia Fire Department, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, the Canadian Coast Guard, the United States Coast Guard, and the Port Huron Police Department.
Despite the coordinated police, fire, and coast guard efforts, and deployed resources, the search has not located the adult male, nor confirmed additional evidence of the sighting.
Police are asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information which might assist this investigation, including knowledge of any missing or overdue person(s), is asked to contact the Lambton County OPP at (519) 882-1011. Should you wish remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
The Lambton County OPP would like to remind everyone to be cautious of all waterways, and warn people to stay clear of rivers, creeks, or streams, as the water is extremely cold, and may be fast running, and dangerous.
Police also ask caregivers to educate children about water dangers and ice conditions, and to keep children and pets well away from river banks, as they have become water-soaked and slippery.
If you are planning to be near or on a waterway, it’s important to let others know where you are, and to advise when you plan to return. In the event you are missing, rescue crews can narrow their search and potentially save your life.
