2023-07-20 15:53:18
A young Ukrainian living in Quebec for less than two weeks was reportedly carried away by the current of the Etchemin River in the Saint-Anselme sector, in Chaudière-Appalaches, on Wednesday evening.
Photo Agence QMI, Guy Martel
“His mother is strong, she remains hopeful. She knows her son is a good swimmer. But she is completely in shock”, sighs Mariia Ilnytska, a friend of the family met by The newspaper.
Photo Agence QMI, Guy Martel
Around 7 p.m. on Saturday evening, Sumit Shyder went to Parc des Chutes-Rouillard to cool off, as he had been doing for a few days. But seeing that the 21-year-old had not returned around 10 p.m., his brother went to the scene to see what was going on.
Photo Agence QMI, Guy Martel
“He found his clothes and his bike, but no trace of Sumit,” said Ms. Ilnystka, seated next to the boy’s mother, Iryna Stepanova, who was struggling to hold back tears.
Photo Agence QMI, Guy Martel
The young Ukrainian had only arrived since July 8, a few months following his two other brothers. Ms. Stapnova is the first of the family to have left her country at war to settle in the region, in September 2022.
Photo Agence QMI, Guy Martel
Wide deployment
A vast search operation was launched by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) around midnight, on the night of Wednesday to Thursday, but no body has been found for the moment.
Photo Agence QMI, Guy Martel
Members of the Alpha Bellechasse organization, which accompanies the first arrivals in the region, also joined the operation until 2 a.m.
Police officers, firefighters, divers and even the SQ helicopter were involved. Photo QMI Agency, Guy Martel
“In addition to the police who were there that night, divers and a helicopter will go to the scene to lend a hand. [jeudi matin]“, explains Hugues Beaulieu, spokesperson for the SQ.
Reinforced by the abundant rain of the last few days, the current and the eddies of the Etchemin River, at the height of Chutes-Rouillard, were particularly powerful in the morning.
An area to avoid
According to Saint-Anselme city councilor Simon Roy, this section of the river can be very dangerous for an inexperienced person. 30-foot pits can surprise swimmers swept away by the current, he points out.
Screenshot of the Parc des Chutes-Rouillard website
“The locals go there less than before because they are aware of the dangers. I myself lost a friend in these falls a few years ago. It brings back bad memories…”, launches Mr. Roy.
Although there are signs on the premises to prevent the risks of swimming in the river at this location, it is agreed that the safety measures are deficient.
“Unfortunately, it takes dramas like that to make things happen,” laments the municipal councilor, who promises to improve everything.
– With the collaboration of Élisa Cloutier
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