Update – Body located: Search for missing fisherman turns to recovery mission near Appleton Dam

A search effort of the Appleton Dam near Almonte has now shifted to a recovery mission after an individual fell overboard while fishing on the evening of Saturday, June 28, 2025, according to a release from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) East Region.

In an update shared on the evening of Jun. 29, the OPP confirmed that the person was standing in the water fishing in the dam and wearing hip waders, was reported to have gone under the water and not resurfaced. This occurred shortly before 9 p.m on Jul. 28. In an emergency response, the dam was shut down and officers from the Lanark OPP detachment, along with the OPP Marine Unit, immediately began searching the area with both civilian and police boats.

Some of the individual’s belongings were recovered during the initial search and response crews resumed their efforts the following morning on Jun. 29 with the assistance of an OPP drone.

The OPP confirmed in an update later in the evening that the investigation has taken a turn for the worse, writing “Unfortunately,  the investigation has now turned to recovery. The Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU) will be attending the scene later this evening.”

The identity of the missing person has not been released, as next of kin have not yet been notified due to being out of the country at this time.

Authorities are continuing to investigate this incident and Lanarkist will provide further information as it becomes available.

Update: ( Monday, Jun. 30, 2025, 5:25 p.m )

On the morning of Monday, Jun. 30, 2025, the OPP confirmed that the body of the missing individual was located and recovered by the USRU.

The OPP would like to thank the public and emergency partners for their cooperation and assistance in this matter.