Missing N.S. fisherman presumed drowned

A fisherman from Eastern Passage, N.S.,is presumedto have drowned after the fishing boat he was in capsized Friday, RCMP say.

Brent Walton, 33, and anotherman were crossingnear Lake Charlotteon the province's eastern shore, when their three-metre boat with an outboard motor began experiencing mechanical difficulty. The boat overturned around 12 p.m. Friday.

The otherman,a 29-year-old from Halifax Regional Municipality, swam 200 metresto shore to call for help.

RCMP, Police Dog Service, the fire department and search and rescue crews from the area searched extensively late into the night, but foundno trace of the other man.

"They searched all around the lake hoping that [he] made it to shore, but at this time he's presumed drowned," said Staff Sgt. Bruce Webb.

There were no lifejackets or paddles onboard the boat, Webb said.

"The RCMP would like to remind the public that it's very important to wear life jackets and have the appropriate equipment on boardpaddles and everything that's required with regulations," Webb said.

Alcohol was not believed to be a factor, RCMP said in a news release.

The RCMP underwater search and recovery team will continue the search Sunday, according to RCMP Sgt. Brigdit Leger.