Nelson River search underway for man feared drowned near Kelsey Generating Station
RCMP confirm ongoing search after fishing gear found upstream of the Kelsey Generating Station; investigation of possible drowning on Nelson River continues.
James Redmond, a 60-year-old Alberta man who maintained a cabin near Kelsey, Manitoba, is the subject of an active Nelson River search after his fishing equipment was discovered on the shoreline early Monday morning. RCMP said family members reported him missing after he was last seen hours earlier, and investigators believe he may have entered the river near the Kelsey Generating Station dam.
RCMP search near Kelsey Generating Station
The Thompson rural RCMP led the initial response when Redmond was reported missing at 11:30 a.m. Monday, officials said. Officers scoured shorelines around his cabin and located fishing gear roughly 200 metres upstream from the Kelsey Generating Station dam, a likely point where he entered the water.
Police have described the situation as a missing-person search with the possibility of drowning, and they have deployed multiple assets to the scene. RCMP drones were used to survey stretches of shoreline and open water, and a private dive company was contracted to assist in underwater searches.
Investigators are treating the discovery of the gear as a significant lead and have been coordinating with local authorities and search teams. RCMP have not confirmed whether any witnesses saw Redmond near the river at the time of his disappearance.
Timeline of the disappearance and reporting
Investigators say Redmond was last seen at about 5:30 a.m. on the morning he was reported missing. His absence was noticed later in the day, prompting family members to contact police and trigger a coordinated search effort.
RCMP received the missing-person report at 11:30 a.m., according to the news release issued by local detachments. The interval between his last known sighting and the report to police focused search activity on the immediate area surrounding his cabin and the nearby riverbank.
Searchers worked through the day and into the evening using aerial and ground teams, concentrating on the stretch of river near the hydroelectric facility where his equipment was located. Authorities emphasized that the search remains ongoing and that no conclusive recovery has been made.
Search methods and resources deployed
The RCMP’s use of drones allows rapid aerial reconnaissance of shoreline features that are difficult to reach on foot, and it helps pinpoint areas where divers and ground crews should concentrate efforts. Drone footage can reveal changes in river currents, debris lines, and potential access points for someone who entered the water.
A private diving company has joined the search to conduct underwater sweeps in deeper sections and around submerged structures near the dam. Diving operations are complex in large northern rivers because of variable currents, cold temperatures, and underwater hazards associated with hydroelectric infrastructure.
Ground crews performed systematic shoreline sweeps, checking nearby trails, cabins, and any areas where fishing or hunting gear might be left. RCMP asked local residents to review security cameras, trail cameras, and logs at nearby cottages and camps for any information that could help narrow the search area.
Characteristics of the Nelson River and safety hazards
The Nelson River is a major waterway in northern Manitoba, fed by a vast upstream watershed and subject to strong currents that can change with hydroelectric operations. Sections of the river near generating stations and dams are particularly hazardous because of turbulent flow and sudden shifts when gates are opened or closed.
Cold water temperatures in the region significantly reduce survival time for anyone who enters the river unexpectedly. Hypothermia can set in quickly, and impaired motor function can make self-rescue difficult, even for experienced anglers.
Shorelines near hydroelectric facilities often present hidden dangers such as underwater ledges, debris, and rapidly changing depths. Search teams routinely caution the public to maintain distance from spillways, tailraces, and areas with posted warnings and to wear personal flotation devices when near fast-moving water.
Manitoba Hydro facility and worker context
The Kelsey Generating Station, where Redmond worked, is one of Manitoba’s hydroelectric facilities located in the province’s north. It sits roughly 700 kilometres north of Winnipeg and plays a role in the province’s power system and local employment.
Local officials described Redmond as a worker at the generating station who also kept a cabin in the nearby community of Kelsey. RCMP indicated his familiarity with the area but did not speculate publicly about the circumstances that might have led to his disappearance.
Manitoba Hydro and plant management often coordinate with local emergency services on safety protocols and incident responses, particularly when operations can affect river flow. Authorities have not released specific operational factors that may have influenced the current search.
Community response and appeals for information
Local residents and family members have been informed of the RCMP search and the discovery of fishing gear near the dam. Community members often mobilize to assist when someone is missing in remote northern settings, providing local knowledge of trails, river behaviour, and likely access points.
RCMP have appealed to anyone who might have been in the area between the early morning hours and midday to come forward with information. They have asked that people check private cameras and report any relevant sightings or details to investigators.
Police stressed that small observations can be crucial in narrowing search areas, and they encouraged residents not to undertake independent searches in hazardous zones near the dam. Authorities reiterated that professional teams are coordinating the active search for the missing man.
The RCMP continue to coordinate with provincial emergency services and contracted specialists as the operation proceeds. Updates are expected as investigators gather more information and as search conditions evolve.
The discovery of personal effects upstream from a hydroelectric dam underscores the ongoing risks of fishing along major northern rivers. RCMP investigators are continuing their work and urging anyone with details to contact the Thompson rural detachment to assist in the Nelson River search.
