Capsized in Lake Nipissing

Two Scarborough, Ont. men have survived four hours in turbulent Lake Nipissing waters after their canoe capsized.

Jacob Pawlowski and Steven Kennedy, both 20, were rushed to shore and sent to North Bay General Hospital via ambulance.

Pawlowski was treated for mild hypothermia and released today.

Kennedy remains in hospital being treated for severe hypothermia.

They ventured off shore Monday in a yellow fibre glass canoe from a private cottage located on Waltonian Drive, in Callander, Ontario Provincial Police said.

The waters were calm when they left, said Cst. Rick Tass, community services officer for the OPP North Bay detachment.

But the winds picked up during the afternoon, and the waves were cresting in excess of two to three feet.

Pawlowski and Kennedy were reported overdue to Powassan OPP at approximately 3:20 p.m.

The OPP Marine unit immediately responded and began searching Lake Nipissing, assisted by marine units from the North East Region Snowmobile, All-terrain vehicle & Vessel Enforcement Team (S.A.V.E.) and the North East Region Traffic and Marine Unit.

A helicopter from Orillia OPP General Headquarters joined in on the search as well. A witness spotted the canoeists heading toward the Manitou Islands at approximately 2:30 p.m. in turbulent waters. Cst. John Brunet (North Bay OPP Marine Unit) contacted the Chief Commanda II (The Chief) via VHF, advising of the search. The Chief had look-outs posted upon notification.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., the Chief contacted the OPP Marine Unit, advising of a pleasure Craft off of Rankin Island with a yellow canoe draped over its stern. The OPP Marine Unit responded and met up with the boater containing the canoe and two males who were visibly cold. The Scarborough residents had hung on to their canoe after being capsized before 3:00 p.m.

"They both looked very cold and tired," said Tass, who had accompanied Brunet on the search.

"They're very happy, though, to be alive."