RCMP have suspended the search for a 35-year-old man who went missing on Johnstone Strait, north of Sayward.

Dakota Smith was reported missing after leaving his residence in a canoe last Friday and failing to return.

An extensive search was launched involving the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, RCMP officers, search-and-rescue crews and police helicopters. Smith’s capsized canoe was later located.

The search continued for several days, with police consulting Smith’s family about the resources and efforts being deployed.

RCMP say crews faced high and unpredictable winds, heavy rain, frigid water temperatures and other difficult conditions throughout the operation. As time passed, the likelihood of survival was significantly reduced.

Ongoing severe weather also made it unsafe for crews to continue searching the water and shoreline.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Sayward RCMP at 250-282-5522.