An extensive search for a missing man whose kayak was found near a pond is underway in Cape Breton’s Inverness County.
The RCMP say 32-year-old Jason William MacGrath left the Cape George area in a kayak around noon Sunday. His kayak and lifejacket were found near Gillis Pond in Judique Interval around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Authorities are optimistic that he made it to land.
"At this point it does look as though Mr. McGrath landed his kayak and walked from it, so we don't at this point believe him to be in the water," says Const. Brad Anderson of Inverness District RCMP.
McGrath’s family told reporters that he is inexperienced on the water and has only been on the ocean a couple of times.
Members of the Antigonish and Inverness RCMP detachments have been searching the Judique Interval area since Tuesday evening. Members of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, ground search and rescue teams, and an RCMP helicopter and police dog services are also assisting in the search.
"We're looking for any clues,” says Tom Fitzpatrick of Colchester Ground Search and Rescue. “Footprints or anything like that, leftover equipment, or anything that might indicate that there's a presence on that island."
MacGrath was initially described by police as being roughly five-foot-eight and 155 pounds, but his brother tells CTV News he is actually closer to five-foot-six and 120 pounds with dark brown hair and brown eyes.
It's not clear where McGrath was going in his kayak or why. Officials say there are no plans to discontinue the search anytime soon.
"We have no reason to believe at this point that Mr. McGrath is not alive," says Const. Anderson.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald.
