OPP to resume search for missing boater Sunday

OPP News Release

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North Bay O.P.P. are investigating a boating incident that occurred in the area of Sun Set Cove Rd. on the South Shore of lake Nipissing at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Saturday the 17th of July 2010.

54 year old Andrew Wedzinga of Thorndale Ontario was returning from a fishing trip with his wife when they encountered strong winds and heavy wave action on the lake. The two were operating a 14 foot aluminium boat with a 9.9 motor. Mr. Wedzinga was tossed out of the boat only a few hundred meters from their destination. Mrs. Wedzinga was unable to control the small craft and was able to secure her life jacket before she too was thrown from the boat. Mrs. Wedzinga was able to make it to a nearby island where she was rescued by family shortly after.

Mr. Wedzinga was not wearing a life jacket and could not be located by family who immediately began searching for him. Family and friends were assisted by Nipissing Volunteer Fire Fighters, O.P.P. Marine and land Units in the search. The O.P.P. helicopter also attended the scene to assist with an aerial search of the area. The search was unsuccessful at the time of this release and O.P.P. Marine units remained searching the area till dark.

The O.P.P. Underwater Search and Recovery Unit will be attending the area on Sunday to continue search and recovery operations.

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