Atreyu (left) and Sheena Empiringham (right) of Lethbridge have been reported missing, August 29, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge Police Service)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

UPDATE: Lethbridge police say missing rafters located safe

Aug 29, 2023 | 1:06 PM

UPDATE – August 29, 2023 at 4:45 p.m.

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has confirmed that a mother and son reported missing while rafting in southern Alberta have been located safely.

The two were found south of Lethbridge by HALO Air Ambulance, who helped aid in the search coordinated by the RCMP, on Tuesday.

Police added that a third person was also safely located.

The LPS said that no further information will be released.

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ORIGINAL STORY

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) said Tuesday that water and air search and rescue efforts to locate a small group of missing rafters have so far been unsuccessful.

The police service said they do not know exactly where on the Old Man River the group started on, but given that they were looking for ammonite, search and rescue personnel focused their efforts south of Lethbridge.

The boat made it as far as the St. Mary River before the water became too shallow to proceed. A drone was utilized to check the areas where ammonite is known to be found.

LPS said there is no evidence to suggest that Sheena and Atreyu Empiringham are in Lethbridge.

Police agencies across southern Alberta have been notified of the missing persons’ file.

The family of the missing rafters last spoke with the group during the afternoon of Aug. 27, when they stated that they were going out for some food and water.

On Monday morning, the family received a text message from Sheena, saying that her phone was about to die but that she would charge it and call them back.

“Family has not heard from them since. LPS are concerned for the safety of the three,” reads a media release from the LPS.

Police were informed by family members that the group was dropped off by a friend on the Old Man River but were not able to provide a name or phone number for the friend.

The LPS is asking the friend who provided a ride for the group to phone them at 403-328-4444 and provide the location the group was last observed so officers have a better starting point in their search.

Anyone who has seen Sheena, Atreyu, or the third member of the group is asked to phone the LPS non-emergency line at 403-328-4444 and reference file 23020508.