The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) would like to thank the public for their assistance in this incident. The missing male has been located. Out of respect for the family, no further information will be made available at this time.
ORIGINAL MEDIA RELEASE
Efforts continue in the search for a missing 79-year-old man in Lake Ontario, in the Town of Grimsby.
On June 20, 2025, at approximately 8:51 p.m., the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Trenton contacted the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 8 District (Grimsby/Lincoln/West Lincoln) regarding a man who had failed to return after going out in a rowboat.
At approximately 2 p.m. on June 20, 2025, George Brasovan, 79, took his 12-foot portable rowboat out into Lake Ontario near 7th Street in Grimsby. Brasovan is an avid rower and routinely participates in the activity. His family contacted authorities after several hours had passed and he had not returned.
The JRCC leads all marine rescue operations on the Great Lakes and uses local assets to assist. The NRPS Marine Unit was dispatched to support the search. JRCC advised that vessels and air support had been deployed in the area.
The search was suspended overnight, with operations resuming in daylight on June 21, 2025.
George Brasovan is described as:
White male 5’9” tall 160 pounds Short grey hair, no facial hair Brown eyes Last seen wearing black shorts, a bright yellow water-resistant sleeveless vest, a blue ball cap, and possibly glasses
His vessel is described as a beige, 12-foot folding rowboat.
The NRPS is requesting that residents in the Grimsby area, near the search area, to check their properties and outbuildings in case Brasovan sought shelter overnight.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111.
Members of the public who wish to remain anonymous can contact Niagara Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at https://crimestoppersniagara.ca.
NRPS incident: 25-66066