Search continues for missing Albert Bridge boater

Craft operated by local volunteer fire departments were the lone search vessels on the Mira River on Monday as efforts to find a missing recreational fisherman continue.

An extensive search for 56-year-old Murray Francis Reid began June 5 when Cape Breton Regional Police responded to a report of a person falling out of a small fishing boat and into waters near Mira Ferry Lane in Albert Bridge.

Initial search efforts included police dive teams and water rescue units from several local volunteer fire departments.

On Monday, the only water teams still search the waters were from the Albert Bridge and Glace Bay volunteer fire departments.

A Cape Breton Regional Police Service spokesperson said their dive teams were merely taking a short break from the search on Monday, mostly for equipment maintenance.

“Our divers are on call if the firefighters happen to pick up anything with their equipment that they need us take a closer look at,” said Desiree Vassallo.

“We will be back out (Tuesday), depending on when they have their gear ready to go.”

Cape Breton Search and Rescue and a Department of Natural Resources helicopter had also joined the search for Reid the day after he was reported missing.

The ground search and rescue teams have halted their efforts after an estimated 60 searchers combed shores up until Sunday.

Weekend search efforts also included advanced equipment and technical personnel from Halifax.

Vassallo said if that equipment again becomes available, it may also return to the search.

Reid has been described as an avid outdoorsman who was quite familiar with the Mira River. Some suspect he may have been fishing recreationally when he went missing.