BAIE COMEAU, QUE. – Searchers are continuing for a third day in an attempt to locate a missing float plane along the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Quebec with two people on board.

On Thursday a Cessna 180K float plane took off from Baie-Comeau en route to Grandes-Bergeronnes but did not arrive. The aircraft was reported overdue and a search was initiated on Friday but there has been no sign of the aircraft.

Two Canadian Forces aircraft, a Hercules and a Cormorant from Greenwood Nova Scotia, and a Griffon Helicopter from Bagotville were joined by volunteers from the Quebec-based group SERABEC which provides air support to national search and rescue efforts.

The Canadian Coast Guard also has three vessels assisting in the search.

The search is being coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Halifax.

UPDATE – Late this evening a spokesperson from JRCC Halifax confirmed that a five foot section of the aircraft’s float has been recovered. It was found in the water in Baie aux Outardes, about 25 kilometres southwest of Baie Comeau.

The piece was turned over to Sûreté du Québec who consulted with a person familiar with the aircraft and confirmed that it was from the missing aircraft.

The search was suspended at nightfall but will resume in the morning with a Griffon helicopter from Baie Comeau. A Canadian Coast Guard vessel will also be searching for any signs of debris or oil slicks on the water.

UPDATE August 30 – A spokesperson from JRCC Halifax advises that search efforts have been suspended. The case has been turned over to the Sûreté du Québec as a missing persons case.

UPDATE September 1 – Based on the evidence collected so far, a new area of interest has been targeted and is located in the area of Cap Colombier.

Divers will patrol this new area with their lateral radar, police officers on the ground will meet new potential witnesses and the Sûreté du Québec will patrol the river shore.

A helicopter will also be involved

The Surete du Quebec ask for help from the public to obtain information in case people have seen or heard a plane in the area between manic 1 and Les Bergeronnes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Surete du Quebec at 310-4141 or via cell phone *4141.