Fiona: Missing man from Lower Prospect washed out to sea

An 81-year-old man missing in Lower Prospect, N.S., was thought to have been swept into the ocean during post-tropical storm Fiona, RCMP say.

Halifax District RCMP responded on Saturday to a report of a missing man who was last seen the night before.

RCMP said the search for Larry Smith was intensive by land and air.

« Although search efforts have been concluded based on the belief that Mr. Smith entered the water, the case will remain open, » police said in a statement.

Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston acknowledged the loss of life as a result of the storm.

« Our thoughts are with Larry Smith’s family. This is an unimaginable time for our province and I can’t imagine the additional pain you are going through now, » he said at a Monday news conference.

The RCMP said they would resume the search if new information became available.

« When someone is missing, it has deep and profound consequences for the person and those who know them, » the RCMP said in a statement. « Our hearts go out to Mr. Smith’s family at this difficult time. »

At least three people are believed to have been killed as a result of post-tropical storm Fiona making landfall in Atlantic Canada.