The body of a canoeist who drowned in a lake near Lake Elmo after his boat sank was recovered Thursday, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities responded at 11:13 a.m. to a 911 call about a man in distress at Lake Jane.
Fire rescue units and the Sheriff's Office Water Patrol found the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man was fishing in a canoe with two other men when strong winds and waves flooded the canoe, which then sank, authorities said. Only one of the men had a life jacket.
A neighbor who witnessed the canoe's swamping went out on his boat and rescued two of the men, authorities said. But he was unable to reach the third person in time.
Authorities said alcohol does not appear to have been a factor.
The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of family members.
KAREN ZAMORA
