A family is thanking a rescue team for their prayers and help after a man drowned during a fishing incident.

On Saturday afternoon, a 68-year-old man and his 65-year-old wife from the RM of La Broquerie went out onto Moose Lake to fish in a boat. The man, who was not wearing a life jacket, lost his balance and fell out of the boat. He was not able to get back onto the boat.

His wife drove the boat to the nearest cottage, asking them for help. Sprague RCMP was called at 1:50 p.m.

Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART) was called to help the RCMP Search and Rescue team (marine & ground) and Sprague RCMP as the group searched the lake and the shoreline. 

Hours later, at 11 p.m., the man's body was recovered from the lake.

In a public Facebook post, the family says they have been "overwhelmed with love and support" from the community. They also expressed gratitude for the HEART (Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team). "They brought his body home to us, though his spirit is with his Father. This team prayed and mourned with us and has called and shown amazing support to our family."

RCMP says they are continuing to investigate.