Search operation underway for man, 20, who possibly drowned at Verdun Beach

Montreal police and firefighters are still searching for a 20-year-old man who went missing in the waters of the St. Lawrence River near Verdun Beach on Saturday afternoon.

Police say several 911 calls were placed at about 5:20 p.m. concerning a man in distress in the water. When police arrived at the scene, they were unable to locate him from the shore, police spokesperson Caroline Chèvrefils said.

The fire department's nautical patrol unit was searching in the water late in the night. The team is expected to be back on Sunday.

On Saturday, the Canadian Coast Guard had also been called in to help with the search operation, Chèvrefils said. According to preliminary information, the man was partaking in a sporting activity in the water when he started to feel unwell, she said. 

Marie-Andrée Mauger, mayor of Verdun, showed her support to the young man's family in a Facebook post.

"This tragedy reminds us of the real dangers of the river, with its strong current, variable depth and uneven bottom. It is essential to swim only when the beach is open and supervised," wrote Mauger.

The City of Montreal's website indicates that the beach was unsupervised and officially opens for swimming on June 14.

Police evacuated the beach and interviewed witnesses on Saturday.