The remains of a Calgary woman who disappeared in rough water while trying to rescue a swimmer near Pelee Island on Lake Erie have been recovered.

Provincial police in Essex County said the body of Cynthia Riediger, 53, of Calgary was found on a Pelee Island beach early Wednesday.

On Monday, two women took a raft out to a struggling swimmer after noticing he was in trouble. But during the rescue, one of the women disappeared. The man, from Bright, Ont., was unharmed, police said.

There was a northeast wind creating riptides and a strong undercurrent when the two women launched the raft, said Pete Schlide, who was vacationing on Pelee Island from Ohio.

Although the missing woman was a marathon runner, Schilde said even a person who was very fit would have trouble in the rough water.

Ontario Provincial Police divers along with a marine unit and the coast guard had been involved in a search and recovery effort.

A post mortem to determine cause of death is to take place this week.