Search efforts are continuing for two missing fishermen

Search efforts will be continuing for two missing fishermen on Stump Lake.

In the early morning hours of June 20, 2023, the Merritt RCMP were notified that two fishermen from the Lower Mainland were missing on Stump Lake. The fishermen had been last seen by friends, fishing late into the evening in a small aluminum boat. When they didn't return after dark, friends began to search for them.  After unsuccessful efforts, they called police.

Kamloops Search and Rescue were notified and attended the area, along with Police Dog Services. An extensive, ground, water and air search was conducted. Debris belonging to the missing fisherman was found floating near the North end of the lake. Neither the fishermen, nor their boat have been located.

The RCMP Under Water Recovery Team has been engaged and will be continuing search efforts at the lake in the coming days.

"We are not releasing the names of the missing fishermen at this time", says S/Sgt. Josh Roda. "We want to give the families privacy while they try to comprehend what took place".

If you are recreating in the Stump Lake area and find debris that you believe may be associated to the missing fishermen, please contact the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.