Divers have recovered the bodies of two males believed to be brothers whose canoe capsized in a southern Alberta lake two days ago.

John Giesbrecht, 28, and Peter Giesbrecht, 15, were fishing on Lake Newell, near Brooks, with a 15-year-old friend when their canoe capsized Tuesday afternoon, dumping all three into the frigid water.

John Giesbrecht, 28, top, and his brother, Peter, 15, were fishing with a friend when their canoe capsized on Tuesday afternoon. (Courtesy Giesbrecht family)

A resident on a personal watercraft rescued the brothers' teenage friend just minutes after the canoe tipped.

A side scanner sonar, purchased by provincial parks officials for the search, located what was believed to be the bodies at the north end of the lake Thursday evening. Divers from the Lethbridge fire department brought the bodies to the surface.

The bodies will be turned over to the medical examiner's office to determine the cause of death and confirm identities, said the RCMP.

Brother Jake Giesbrecht said the family is in shock and disbelief. Family members stood on the shore for hours as the search for the missing pair continued Thursday. He said they're trying not to dwell on the brothers' last moments.

Family friend Dean Maldaner remembered Peter, whom he drove to church on Sundays. "He's a nice boy, very energetic, lively, full of life and good-natured. It's going to be tough."

Conditions in the lake were murky, and heavy winds pushing sediment around in the water made it difficult for searchers.

The rescued teen wasn't wearing a personal flotation device and it's unlikely the missing brothers had PFDs on, police said. An RCMP spokesperson said Wednesday the brothers are presumed drowned.

The Giesbrechts are from a Mennonite community between Brooks and Rolling Hills, and the teenager goes to a private school with only 15 students.

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