Montreal police suspend search for teen swept away by river current
An 18-year-old man remains missing after falling through the ice of the des Prairies river in Montreal. The incident occurred on Thursday in the l'île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève borough, where he was swept away by the current while walking with a friend. Police have now suspended their search efforts. The young man was with a companion when the ice beneath them suddenly gave way. While one of them was rescued and taken to hospital in stable condition, the 18-year-old was carried off by the river's strong flow.
Montreal police deployed divers, boats, and officers on foot to search the area. Despite extensive efforts along the river and its banks, they failed to locate the missing teenager. Authorities have since paused the operation but may restart it in the coming days, focusing on the river's edges. No fixed timeframe exists for how long such searches should continue. Decisions are made case-by-case, considering conditions, available resources, and any new evidence. Public records do not outline a standard policy for these situations.
The search remains on hold, though police have not ruled out further attempts to find the missing man. His friend survived the incident and is recovering in hospital. Authorities will reassess the situation before deciding next steps.
