Search continues for man who fell through ice into Montreal river

Montreal police say they are continuing to search along the shores of the Rivière des Prairies for an 18-year-old who fell through the river’s ice last Thursday, but searches on the water remain suspended.

Police Const. Florence Stafford said Monday afternoon that search efforts on the water, which have been suspended since Saturday, remain paused due to safety concerns.

“The SPVM is leaving no stone unturned. All strategies are being considered, including the use of a drone, which will allow for ariel surveillance and support the search effort while minimizing risk to the teams on the ground,” she said.

Hassoun Choui vanished beneath the ice on Thursday afternoon after falling into the fast-moving river near the Jacques-Bizard Bridge.

Police said Sunday that the search was suspended Saturday after police cut holes in the ice on the river and divers failed to find any trace of the missing man.

On Monday, Stafford said police are conducting a “rigourous” evaluation of the conditions in order to determine the best way to continue the search along the river banks and the water, while ensuring the safety of searchers.

Another young man who was with Choui also fell through the ice, but was rescued.

Police are asking the public not to conduct searches of their own in the area as the conditions can be dangerous and unpredictable.

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