More details have been released regarding the recovery of a 58-year-old man’s body from a pond in the RM of St. Anne on Christmas Eve.
According to a statement posted by the HEARTeam on social media, the recovery operation began around 2:30 p.m. on December 24 when they were called to the scene, just north of Steinbach. A skid steer loader had broken through the ice, and the man was reported missing.
After briefing with Steinbach RCMP and the La Broquerie Fire Department, divers confirmed that the man was not in or immediately around the machine, which was submerged in about 20 feet of water.
At 5:00 p.m., using multi-beam sonar and a remotely operated underwater vehicle, HEARTeam located and recovered the body nearby.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family,” read the HEARTeam’s post. “We pray that the Lord Jesus bring them comfort and healing during this very difficult time.”
The organization also expressed gratitude to the RCMP and fire departments that assisted in the recovery. The man's identity has not been made public.