Cold Case Vehicles Discovered in Quebec Waters
Volunteer Divers Solve Decades-Old Disappearances
A two-week search mission in Quebec’s lakes and rivers by an American group has successfully resolved two long-standing missing person cases, bringing closure to families and earning widespread praise. The team, “Exploring with a mission,” utilized specialized equipment to locate submerged vehicles and the remains of individuals.
Uncovering the Past
The dedicated duo, comprised of ex-military member Bill McIntosh from Boston and former Australian police officer Dan Pritchard, operate with a simple yet effective methodology. Their efforts have led to the identification of 200 vehicles at the bottom of waterways and the resolution of 17 disappearances across multiple countries.
Their toolkit is modest: two small boats, two sonar devices, and a trailer. “We learned that by moving on the water at a speed of 4 to 8 km/h, against the current and placing in the water a stick of Sonar, we were able to identify on our images the cubes which are in fact cars,” explained Bill McIntosh. “By doing so, we see water differently. This is what makes our success.”
Bringing Closure to Families
The team’s approach involves mapping the last known locations and habits of missing individuals. The overlap in these areas often pinpoints where the vehicles are located. This systematic search has provided answers to families who had been waiting for decades.
Two Mysteries Solved
Just last Sunday, “Exploring with a mission” located the Jeep Cherokee Chief belonging to Robert St-Louis, who vanished in 1988 from Laval. His remains were found within the vehicle in the Rivière des Mille Îles. The previous week, the team discovered the vehicle and remains of Yvon Guévin, a former municipal councilor missing since 2014, in the Saint-François River.
“When we do this, the thanks and the hugs that we receive mean everything. We are just two fathers who want to see the world while helping people. Life is a gift and we make our best to achieve something that is important.”
—Bill McIntosh, Founder of Exploring with a mission
McIntosh emphasized the impact of their work: “By finding a person, it was said to families [of the disappeared] that they had a chance. With this second discovery, their chances were doubled.”
Broader Discoveries and Unanswered Questions
The operation in Deux-Montagnes concluded after extensive dives, leading to the recovery of Robert St-Louis‘s Jeep, a 1990s Nissan Pulsar, a 1995 Ford Escort, and a GMC Sierra van. Police believe no further vehicles are submerged in that specific area.
Why Police Efforts Ceased
The success of “Exploring with a mission” raises questions about why these cases remained unresolved for so long. Retired Sûreté du Québec investigator Arold Bernatchez explained that police investigations often conclude when all leads are exhausted and resources are depleted. “In Quebec, the territory is immense; we have a lot of bodies of water. If the police have no indication or information, at the cost it costs, they cannot seek at random,” Bernatchez stated.
The concentration of vehicles in the same location has led to speculation that the area may have been known as a dumping ground. Stéphane Luce, president of Quebec’s Murders and Unresolved Disappearances (MDIQ), suggests it was a convenient spot for illicit activities like insurance fraud or disposing of stolen cars.
Stéphane Luce also shared that SQ officials acknowledged the effectiveness of “Exploring with a mission,” noting their proficiency in the field.
Ongoing Investigations
Investigations into the case of Robert St-Louis are ongoing with Laval police. The other three vehicles recovered in Deux-Montagnes are being examined by local authorities, with no current indication of links to criminal activities.
Past Cases Resolved by ‘Exploring with a mission’ in Quebec
- Adjutor Lapointe, Chicoutimi, disappeared in 1980
- Maxime Morais, Montreal, disappeared in 1985
- Ronald Couture, Terrebonne, disappeared in 1995
- Lucie Bouchard, Quebec, disappeared in 1996
- Benoit Lachance, Pointe-aux-Trembles, disappeared in 1996
- Patrick-Jean de Loppinot, Laval, disappeared in 2003
- Christine Thibeault, Maniwaki, disappeared in 2009
- Robert Bishara, Chicoutimi, disappeared in 2009
- Jean-Marc Lavallée, La Prairie, disappeared in [year not specified]
- Mélissa Blais, Yamachiche, disappeared in 2017
- Michael Scandiffio, Thorne, Outaouais, disappeared in 2022
- Kamal Ayoub, Longueuil, disappeared in 2024
