Eli Buruca (left) with his mother (Image credit: Vernon North Okanagan RCMP)/

By Pete McIntyre-Vernon Matters

DROWNED KAYAKER

Missing kayaker presumed drowned in Kalamalka Lake

Jul 28, 2023 | 6:32 AM

VERNON, B.C. — A man who went missing while kayaking in Kalamalka Lake earlier this week, is now presumed to have drowned.

Police have identified the missing man as 26-year-old Eli Buruca who is said to be from Alberta.

Buruca was reported missing Monday night (July 24) after being out on the lake with friends and being forced to go to shore when a storm blew in.

Police say he tried to cross the lake to get to Kal Beach by himself, and was not seen again, despite searches by RCMP and Vernon Search and Rescue.

“There is no indication the man made it to shore and is presumed to have drowned,” Cst. Chris Terleski, media relations officer for Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, said. “An extensive search involving boats, a drone, and RCMP divers, has continued for several days on both the shoreline and water at the north end of Kalamalka Lake, without success.”

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Terleski said the search was scaled back on Thursday (July 27), but Vernon Search and Rescue will continue to conduct searches on the lake at various times over the course of the next several days.

“The family has been involved from the outset and this sombre reality has been discussed with them,” Terleski said. “This remains a missing person investigation which will continue until the person is found. At the outset, we’re always hopeful for a favourable outcome and despite the best efforts of everyone involved, their loved one is still missing and our hearts go out them.”