Robert Scott Ellis was 27 when he disappeared from Reed Lake, Manitoba, on June 27, 1973. He and a friend were fishing from a small canoe when conditions on the lake deteriorated; waves and whitecaps developed and the canoe capsized, throwing both men into the cold water. The two clung to the overturned craft for several hours while fighting exhaustion. Robert eventually lost his grip and disappeared into the lake; his companion reached shore and reported the accident.

Searchers dragged parts of the lake and divers entered the water but no trace of Robert was recovered. Investigators have treated the incident as a boating accident and drowning is considered the most likely explanation. He was described as about 5 feet 10 inches tall, 181 pounds, with brown hair. If anyone was on Reed Lake that day or has information about the incident, please come forward.