COPPER HARBOR – Authorities have recovered the bodies of two people who went missing after their canoe capsized early Saturday morning in Keweenaw County’s Copper Harbor.

Keweenaw County Undersheriff/Jail Administrator Tonya Mattila said while she is aware the names of those involved have appeared on social media, the sheriff’s office for now was not releasing that information.

“I can say that they’re local residents,” she said, “but for now, we just want the families to have privacy while they struggle with their loss in the very difficult time.”

The Sunday evening recovery ended a search that began about 4 a.m. Saturday, when sheriff’s office personnel were sent on an emergency call to Copper Harbor, where three individuals had been canoeing when their vessel capsized. One individual was able to make it to shore and promptly called 911.

According to the first of three news releases issued by the sheriff’s office, agencies that responded included the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Keweenaw Search and Rescue, Copper Harbor Fire, U.S. Coast Guard with helicopter assistance, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan State Police dive team from lower Michigan.

By Saturday evening, the first of the two bodies had been recovered. Efforts to locate the remaining individual were suspended for the night due to safety and operational considerations. The search resumed Sunday morning with all partner agencies.

On Sunday evening, the sheriff’s office in a third news release stated, “As of tonight, the second individual who had been missing following Saturday morning’s canoe incident in Copper Harbor has been located and recovered.”

Throughout the search and recovery mission, the sheriff’s office requested the public avoid the area and respect the privacy of the affected families.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends and loved ones affected by this tragic event,” the sheriff’s office stated in the news release. “We ask that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.”

The sheriff’s office also thanked all of the agencies and personnel who assisted in this operation, including Keweenaw Search and Rescue, Copper Harbor Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Michigan State Police dive team, Michigan DNR, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, area restaurants and businesses that donated food and supplies and the community for their cooperation.