Family and friends gather on the shore of Lake Newell Wednesday morning. (CBC)

Family and friends of two missing canoeists have gathered on the shore of Lake Newell, south of Brooks, Alta., as the search for the brothers resumes.

The brothers — John Giesbrecht, 28, and Peter Giesbrecht, 15 — were fishing with a 15-year-old friend when their canoe capsized at about 5 p.m. Tuesday, dumping all three into the water. A resident on a personal watercraft rescued the brothers' 15-year-old friend just minutes after the canoe tipped.

The RCMP in Brooks said the search for the missing pair resumed Wednesday morning after it was called off Tuesday night at 11 p.m. because of darkness.

"They are back out on the water this morning, with divers for the most part. At this point, sadly, the two boys are presumed drowned," said Sgt. Patricia Neely.

"Any body of water poses risk of drowning, particularly this early in the spring when the water is so cold.…The water temperature could certainly would certainly be a factor, because hypothermia would set in quite quickly if you weren't in a wet suit."

Likely not wearing life-jackets

The rescued teen wasn't wearing a life-jacket and it's unlikely the missing brothers had life-jackets on, RCMP said.

The water is shallow, but murky.

"Unfortunately at this part of the lake there is visibility for about the first five feet, but because of all of the particles in the water — and when a diver goes through it they mix it up — they are virtually going by feel at the moment," said Staff Sgt. John Haley.

Family and friends of the missing brothers were on the lake's shore Wednesday, watching a search and rescue boat on the lake.

The brothers were from a Mennonite community between Brooks and Rolling Hills, and the teenager went to a private school with only 15 students.

Jim Miller's son was a close friend of the missing 15-year-old.

"We see him probably a couple of times a week and all of a sudden realize you are never going to see him alive again — deep shock."

Girl drowned in lake last year

In September, a five-year-old girl drowned on Lake Newell after a rescue boat capsized.

A family of five from the Calgary area was boating when their vessel hit a rock. They called 911 for help.

Two hours later, a 5.5-metre rescue boat from the Fish and Wildlife Department located the family and headed for safety. It was extremely windy, and waves were reaching heights of more than 1.5 metres at times. The rescue boat capsized, throwing its eight occupants into the water.

The little girl was eventually found trapped under the vessel after it was towed to shore.