ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — The search for a man after a canoe capsized Sunday night on the Missouri River is now a recovery mission, officials have confirmed with 5 On Your Side.
The boat capsized at about 8:30 p.m. near the Howell Island Conservation Area west of Chesterfield. Two men were in the canoe at the time. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the men weren't wearing life jackets at the time.
One man in his early 30s was able to make it back to the island, according to Jim McKay with the Monarch Fire Protection District. The highway patrol said that man used a flotation device from the canoe to make it to safety.
The other man hasn't been found.
Rescue crews searched the river and surrounding area for two hours Sunday before calling off the search for the night.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol resumed the search Monday morning for the missing man. By Monday afternoon, the rescue mission transitioned into a recovery effort.
Water patrol troopers continued looking for the man Tuesday but still found no sign of him.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson told 5 On Your Side neither of the men wore a life jacket but relied on their flotation devices.
“The drownings we have in the last couple of years. The biggest common denominator is people aren't wearing their life vests,” Thompson said.
With summer approaching, and the eagerness to take to the water, gear is just one thing officials say people should not forget about
“If you're going to be out in the boat, make sure you got the proper equipment. If you're not sure what the proper equipment is you can call us at the Highway Patrol, you can set up an appointment for an inspection, they'll go through your equipment. Make sure that it's in working order," Thompson continued.
Other details of the water rescue are unknown at this time. The identity of the missing man has not been released.
The Highway Patrol emphasized the search will be an ongoing effort throughout the afternoon Tuesday.