Search underway for teen counsellor missing after swim at Bible camp

A search is underway near a western Manitoba First Nation after a camp counsellor went missing while swimming Tuesday evening.

Ferlin Abrahamson, chair of the Steeprock Bay Bible Camp, told CBC News that a 17-year-old boy who was working at the camp as a cabin leader was last seen during a camp swim in the lake. He's suspected to have drowned. 

RCMP said the boy was seen swimming out to a floating dock, but disappeared. Witnesses did not see him resurface and police were called at about 7:10 p.m. A boat from Manitoba Sustainable Development was used to search for the boy in the evening, but it was called off due to nightfall.

The camp is located along the Bell River, near the shore of Lake Winnipegosis, about 400 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. 

Abrahamson said the boy was from Split Lake, Man. His family was aware of the situation and was at the search site on Wednesday. 

Abrahamson said social workers and counsellors have been brought in to help the more than 60 kids at the camp. 

"It's very difficult, especially for some … [who] for whatever reason are blaming themselves," he said. 

He said RCMP and searchers from the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation are searching the waters near the camp. RCMP said the underwater recovery team will be attending as well.