UPDATE: 11:10 am May 21/19
RCMP confirm the after days of searching the shorelines and water of Okanagan Lake, the search for a missing kayaker have been suspended.
The search which involved aircraft from above, boats and paddle boarders in the water and crews along the shoreline turned up no further findings.
RCMP will continue their missing person investigation into the disappearance of Zygmunt Janiewicz. We will remain in contact with and continue to provide support to Mr. Janiewicz's family.
ORIGINAL:
The search for a missing kayaker on Okanagan Lake has continued through the long weekend.
Kelowna RCMP were to make an announcement today (Monday) that Central Okanagan Search & Rescue will be asked to stand down in their efforts to locate 71-year-old Zygmunt Janiewicz. He was reported missing on May 17th.
On Friday, RCMP Corporal Jesse O'Donaghey said “an abandoned surf ski personal water craft and personal floatation device, similar to the ones being used by Mr. Janiewicz were recovered along the shore near Watt Road. Searchers have been scouring the shoreline, as RCMP have called for support from the Kelowna Fire Department’s rescue vessel and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue who have since launched their helicopter to search from the skies above.”
West Kelowna RCMP also launched their vessel to aid in the search.
Janiewicz was reportedly last seen wearing a pair of black pants, a yellow jacket and a white hat.
On Saturday night - COSAR was asked to help locate a missing camper at Brown Lake in the Okanagan Highlands area. Searchers stopped for the night at 4:00 am - and plans were made to resume the search at first light
“Because our guys had been going wide open since Friday, we called Vernon and Penticton search and rescue for mutual aid. More than a dozen volunteers responded Sunday morning to assist our crews,” said COSAR search manager Duane Tresnich.
Fortunately, the subject of the Brown Lake search, 24-year-old male, was located by a four-wheeler near Fish Lake and driven back to his camp.
"He was fortunate," said Tresnich. "People need to be aware that temperatures in the high country are just above freezing at night and they should bring appropriate clothing."