Search intensifies along Gaspé shoreline after two swept into river
MARSOUI, Que. — Quebec’s provincial police are leading a multi-agency operation along the St. Lawrence River near Marsoui after two people were carried into rough water from a rocky fishing spot early Friday. One of the men, identified by police as a Montreal resident in his 30s, was located deceased later that morning. Crews continued to scour the shoreline and river through Saturday in an effort to find the second person, also from Montreal.
The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) said emergency calls came in at about 8:15 a.m. Friday reporting two individuals in distress. According to police, one person slipped from a rock shelf into the river; a companion attempted a rescue and was also overtaken by the current. The area, on the north shore of the Gaspé Peninsula, is known for rugged coastline and fast-moving tides.
A provincial police helicopter has been flying regular passes over the search zone since Friday, while ground teams worked the riverbanks on foot. A boat crew from the SQ, the Canadian Coast Guard, local firefighters and community volunteers have been coordinating efforts in often challenging conditions.
"I am certain that the entire population is shaken by this event," Marsoui Mayor Renée Gasse said, noting that tides in recent days have been unusually strong. "Last week, we had huge tides, autumn tides in the middle of July."
On Saturday, SQ spokesperson Élizabeth Marquis-Guy said a mobile command post was established near the site and specialized search teams were requested. Police confirmed a helicopter and boat remained active on the water, with shoreline searches continuing as conditions allowed.
What authorities say happened
- Two people were fishing from a rocky outcrop Friday morning when one fell in.
- The second person tried to help and was also swept away by the current.
- One victim, a Montreal man in his 30s, was found deceased Friday.
- The search for the second person continued into Saturday with air, water and land teams.
Officials did not release names, pending notification of relatives. The incident has stirred concern locally, with residents and visitors frequenting coastal access points through the peak summer season. Municipal leaders urged caution around the waterfront, where footing can be slick and where water levels and currents can change rapidly.
Agencies on the scene
The response brings together provincial, federal and local capabilities. Alongside the SQ’s aircraft and marine units, Coast Guard personnel have supported water-based search patterns, while firefighters and volunteers have covered beaches and cliff bases from the ground. Coordination of these efforts runs through the SQ command, which adapts tactics as wind, swell and tide conditions shift.
| Timeline | Detail |
|---|---|
| ~8:15 a.m. Friday | Emergency calls report two in the water near Marsoui |
| Friday morning | One victim, a Montreal man in his 30s, found deceased |
| Friday–Saturday | Helicopter overflights; marine and shoreline searches continue |
| Saturday | Command post established; specialized search teams requested |
Safety context for coastal fishing
While authorities have not attributed a formal cause beyond a loss of footing and strong currents, the sequence underscores known hazards along exposed stretches of the St. Lawrence. Rock shelves can be slick, surf can surge unexpectedly and tides can rise or fall quickly. Local officials reported stronger-than-usual tides in recent days, conditions that can pull even capable swimmers away from shore. Police reminded the public to be vigilant near water, particularly where there is no lifeguard presence.
Residents in the region described a heavy atmosphere as the search entered a second day. From vantage points along Highway 132 and access paths to the shore, helicopters and rescue boats remained visible Saturday. Authorities said operations would proceed as long as daylight and weather permitted.
Anyone who was in the area Friday morning and may have seen the incident or found personal effects along the shore is asked to contact provincial police to assist with the ongoing investigation and search.
