RCMP end search for snowmobiler who went through river ice

The search has ended for a man who crashed through river ice on his snowmobile.

RCMP found a hole in the ice of the Assiniboine River near St. Francois Xavier during a recent search for the man but they were unable to locate him. It is presumed he went through the ice on his snowmobile.

Efforts by the dive unit were cut short due to strong river currents and safety concerns.

• RCMP find hole in thin river ice during search for missing snowmobiler

An RCMPspokesperson said Wednesday that the force's underwater recovery team has left the scene and there are no plans to continue the search.

"The weather, river conditionsand the safety of searchersare factorsin that decision," a statement from the RCMP said.

The 62-year-old St. Francois Xavier man was reported missing to Headingley RCMPat about 8 p.m. Saturday.

He reportedly snowmobiledoften near the Assiniboine River in the community, which is about 20 kilometres west of Winnipeg, RCMP said.