AJAX — A search continued Friday for a Toronto man whose boat was found, unoccupied and with a motor running, the previous day on the Lake Ontario shoreline in Ajax.

A search that began around 2 p.m. Thursday and continued past midnight turned up no trace of 31-year-old Kevin Wong, Durham police Const. George Tudos said.

“Obviously we want to remain positive,” Tudos told reporters at Rotary Park Friday morning. “However, we have to take into account that several hours have passed now.”

Police received a call at about 2 p.m. Thursday from a person who had noticed the boat on the shore near Rotary Park at about 11:45 a.m. that day, Tudos said. The 17-foot aluminum vessel was found with a small trolling motor running and fishing gear in the boat, Tudos said.

Police also found a vehicle and trailer associated with the boat and owner at a nearby launch site in Durham Region, Tudos said.

Police have learned Wong and another boater had been on the lake earlier, making fishing related videos they intended to post online. Wong and his friend parted ways around 11:30 a.m., and the empty vessel was found shortly thereafter, Tudos said.

A search was quickly launched, with the Durham police marine unit joined by the Ajax Fire Department, along with personnel from CFB Trenton and the Coast guard, as well as civilian marine rescue organizations, Tudos said. The search continued until past midnight, when it was suspended.

“They searched all night. They used flares to light up the sky,” Tudos said.

Friday morning search vessels could be seen offshore, combing the waters of Lake Ontario. Tudos said factors including winds and currents are determining the search area.

It’s not known if Wong was wearing a life preserver, Tudos said.

Wong is described as Asian, with a thin build and a beard. He was wearing a blue shirt and white runners.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 905-579-1520, extension 2530.

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