Search continues for missing canoer in the BWCA

The Cook County Sheriff said weather was not helping with the search for a missing canoer in the BWCA.

The 18-year-old was fishing with others on Wednesday when the canoe overturned on Gillis Lake.

Authorities said he was not wearing a life jacket, and did not know how to swim. Another person in the canoe was able to swim to shore.

“Our hearts are with the survivors and the deceased’s family. I also commend all of our emergency services who responded to this incident with swift actions and professionalism,” Sheriff Pat Eliasen said in a statement.

Cook County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Cook County Search & Rescue, Gunflint Volunteer Fire Department, United States Forest Service (USFS) Law Enforcement and a USFS Beaver float plane were responding to the staging area at Tuscarora Lodge to begin search and rescue operations earlier this week.

St. Louis County Rescue Squad is helping with the search.