Sayward RCMP suspend search for missing canoer, 35

Police have suspended the search for 35-year-old Dakota Smith, who was reported missing after leaving to fish in a canoe on Johnstone Strait near the mouth of the Adams River, the Sayward RCMP said. The search was suspended on the afternoon of Nov. 9, 2026.

Smith had left his home earlier on Nov. 6 to go fishing in his canoe and did not return, police said. At approximately 4:20 p.m. that day, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre told Sayward RCMP it was searching for him.

Search and rescue teams and police helicopters took part in an extensive search. The canoe was found capsized, with nobody around it, according to police.

The search continued over the following days, with police consulting Smith’s family about the resources and efforts being deployed. The rescue co-ordination centre, the RCMP and multiple search and rescue teams combined their expertise and used search technology to carry out a methodical search of the area.

Police said the search took place in difficult weather, including unpredictable high winds, heavy rain and frigid water. They said the chances of survival had dropped considerably and that ongoing weather conditions made water and shoreline searches unsafe.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sayward RCMP at 250-282-5522. The file number is 2026-414.