Image: Boreal Community Media

From the Cook County Sheriff's Department - June 22, 2023

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch was notified at 6:44 pm on June 21, 2023, that fisherman on Gillis Lake had overturned their canoe and one of the canoeists had never resurfaced. One of the people swam to shore and one, an 18-year-old male who was not wearing a PFD was reported missing.

Cook County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Cook County Search & Rescue, Gunflint Volunteer Fire Department, United States Forest Service (USFS) Law Enforcement, and a USFS Beaver float plane are responding to the staging area at Tuscarora Lodge to begin search and rescue operations for the 18-year-old male's body.

“Our hearts are with the survivors and the deceased’s family. I also commend all of our emergency services who responded to this incident with swift actions and professionalism,” said Sheriff Pat Eliasen.

Identity is being withheld pending notification of family. No further information is available at this time.