The bodies of two paddleboarders who went missing in a lake near Squamish, British Columbia, have been found, according to the RCMP. The pair, identified as Genesis Jeru Bague and Mariz Bello, were reported missing after an incident at Murrin Provincial Park. Family members revealed that the couple, who recently got married after moving from the Philippines to Vancouver, were enjoying a birthday celebration with friends when the tragedy occurred.
Genesis’s brother, Genesis Hanzel Bague, described the adventurous nature of the couple, highlighting their love for outdoor activities. A witness video captured the moments leading up to the incident, showing the couple struggling in the water after their paddleboard overturned.
Despite ongoing search efforts, the bodies of the paddleboarders have not yet been recovered. Genesis Hanzel Bague expressed hope for closure as the search operation continues. He emphasized the couple’s accident was unforeseen and shared details to inform their loved ones.
Additionally, Bague mentioned his brother’s aspiration to join the Vancouver police force and highlighted their shared passion for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and camping. Describing his brother as a dedicated individual who supports their family in the Philippines, Bague reflected on the couple’s plans for a better life in Canada.
Squamish RCMP, along with various rescue teams, responded to the scene but faced challenges in locating the missing individuals. Despite utilizing underwater search equipment, including sonar technology, the rescue operation has not yet been successful. The search is set to resume with renewed efforts in the coming days.