Saskatoon weir search swaps to recovery for missing jet ski rider

Walkways along the South Saskatchewan River near the weir were temporarily closed while emergency services searched for a missing jet ski rider in the area.

Saskatoon Fire Department said on Sunday what began as a rescue mission on Saturday afternoon with a specialized vessel designed for weir rescue operations was now a recovery mission and people should avoid the area while it is underway.

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The department said the search would cover both riverbanks and the river downstream from the wier.

The jet ski was recovered on Saturday and turned over to Saskatoon Police Service.

The fire department said crews and police were called around 4:45 p.m. on June 20 after receiving multiple reports of the jet ski operator going over the weir and under the water near the train bridge and 33rd Street East.

There are no road closures, police said.

In an update, the City of Saskatoon said firefighters plan to resume the search on Monday using sonar equipment.

“The Saskatoon Fire Department will dispatch two watercraft to search the shoreline and river south of the weir using sonar,” the city said in a statement.

“The incident continues to be investigated by the Saskatoon Police Service. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.”