Friends and family of a man presumed drowned in the Niagara whirlpool are urging the police to continue their search efforts. The missing man, identified as Shubham Manchanda, a 25-year-old ex-international student from India, is believed to have fallen from a rock into the river on Saturday, June 15th.
Shubham Manchanda had been living in Thorold and working at an IT and consulting company in St. Catharines for the past six months. Known for his love of nature, he was out for a hike on June 15th when the incident occurred. According to his friends, who were not present at the time, Manchanda slipped and fell into the Niagara River, unable to swim, and was swept away by the strong current.
Jason Herterich, a hiker who was in the area that day, reported hearing shouting and witnessing a person being carried downstream. Despite the efforts of the Niagara Regional Police, Niagara Falls Fire, and the Canadian Coast Guard, the search has been unsuccessful thus far and has been called off.
In an attempt to raise awareness and encourage the police to continue searching, friends, family, and supporters have taken to social media. Manish Arora, a childhood friend of Manchanda's from Faridabad, India, described their close bond and expressed his belief that Manchanda had a bright future ahead of him.
Niagara Police spokesperson Stephanie Sabourin acknowledged the tragic loss for the family and stated that extensive searches had been conducted from air, land, and water. While the formal search has been suspended, the marine unit will continue to keep a lookout during their patrols.
Arora has taken to Instagram to share Manchanda's story and photos, emphasizing the need for further searching. He stated, "We cannot sit and wait for his body to come up."
The Niagara whirlpool, located downstream from Niagara Falls and bordered by the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, is a naturally occurring phenomenon. The whirlpool and the rapids leading up to it are created by the rushing water from the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls converging into the narrow Niagara Gorge. The rapids in the Niagara River are known to be among the most powerful and dangerous in the world.
Niagara Parks spokesperson Chris Giles declined to comment on the specifics of Manchanda's case, stating that the police are currently investigating.
Witness Jason Herterich, who was present at the scene, described the rapid and powerful nature of the whirlpool. He called the police and provided support to Manchanda's friends as they searched the riverbank downstream, waiting for the officers to arrive.
The search for Shubham Manchanda continues as his loved ones hold onto hope for his safe return.