by Daniel Duric

NEWPORT — Authorities confirmed Monday that the body of a missing kayaker has been recovered from the South Bay of Lake Memphremagog after an extensive, multi-day search.

Chief Travis Bingham of the Newport Police Department said the Vermont State Police Dive Team located the remains of Charles Arnold, 70, at about 12:20 p.m. Monday. His body will be taken to the Vermont State Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington to determine the cause and manner of death.

The Newport Police Department thanked the Vermont State Police Dive Team for their dedicated efforts over the past several days, culminating in the recovery of Mr. Arnold. They also sent condolences to the family of Mr. Arnold.

Arnold was first reported missing on Sept. 19 after relatives called 911 around 8:44 p.m. to report he was overdue from a fishing trip on the South Bay. Family members said they had last spoken with him by cellphone at 12:30 p.m. that day.

Responding officers went to the South Bay Fishing Access and coordinated a large search effort that drew resources from multiple agencies, including the Newport City Fire Department, Derby Line Fire Department, Troy Fire Department, Orleans Fire Department, Newport Ambulance Service, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, and Vermont State Police units specializing in drones, search and rescue, and diving.

That night, crews recovered Arnold’s kayak near the South Yard area off Glen Road, but he was not found. His lifejacket was discovered inside the vessel. Authorities suspended the search at midnight, resuming with additional state police resources at daybreak.