Ally

Two Toronto-area divers who disappeared in the Welland River near Niagara Falls on Sunday are presumed dead after searchers failed to turn up any signs of life.

Police say five experienced divers from a Toronto recreational diving group went into the river in the morning, but were faced with strong currents. Two divers were able to escape the treacherous waters, while another diver had to be rescued.

The two other divers went missing in the dark, cold waters. Friends said the missing men have dived more than 100 times before, including in the Welland River, which is located two kilometres north of the Niagara River.

The particular spot is known in diving circles as a popular location, but police have warned of the dangers in the past.

The river feeds a nearby Ontario Hydro station, which contributes to changing and often ferociously strong currents.

Police divers conducted an exhaustive search on Sunday for the missing men, both in their 30s, but did not recover any evidence that suggested they were alive.

(CV Toronto)

Ally

**Update

NIAGARA FALLS -- The bodies of two Toronto scuba divers who have been the focus of search efforts since Sunday were recovered early yesterday.

Niagara Regional Police Const. Sal Basilone said the bodies have been identified as those of the divers who went missing in the Welland River.

Families have been notified, but Basilone said names of the divers would not be released.

Shortly after 1 a.m., police were notified by employees with the Sir Adam Beck Power Generating Plant that the body of an adult, dressed in a scuba diving suit, was visible near a hydro intake.

To expedite the recovery effort, water flow to the immediate area was reduced. That's when the body of a second diver, also wearing a scuba diving suit, was discovered.

(TorontoSun)