Sûreté du Québec officers rescued an unconscious man from the Petite Décharge river in Alma on Sunday morning, August 16, 2026, after the individual fell into the water late on Saturday night.
The man, whose identity has not been released, was reported missing from the riverbank after the fall. Emergency services were alerted and SQ personnel arrived at the scene to begin a search.
Police responders located the victim in the current of the Petite Décharge and used standard rescue techniques to bring him to shore. The operation was carried out swiftly, allowing the man to be removed from the water before further complications could develop.
Alma is a community situated on the shores of Lac‑Saint‑Jean in the province of Quebec. The Petite Décharge river runs through the town and is a familiar feature for residents and visitors alike. The river can become hazardous after dark, particularly when water levels rise.
Following the rescue, the man was assessed by attending medical personnel. He remained unconscious at the time of retrieval, and his condition after treatment has not been disclosed. No additional injuries or other persons were involved in the incident.
The incident underscores the role of the Sûreté du Québec in responding to water‑related emergencies throughout the region. Police units routinely train for swift water rescues to ensure they can act effectively when similar situations arise.