The helicopter crashed during a water landing attempt on Lake Simon when the rear rotor struck the water in windy and snowy conditions late Wednesday afternoon, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

Two men, aged 33 and 48, managed to swim ashore from the crash site some 200 feet from shore in water just above freezing temperature, police said. Cottagers in the areas contacted police and launched search boats and a military helicopter from Trenton, Ontario, was also dispatched to search for the men, 49 and 63.

Their bodies weren't located until Thursday morning by police divers from Montreal, the report said.

Quebec provincial police officer Melanie Larouche told the CBC the investigation was centered on whether there was a mechanical problem with the helicopter, or gusty winds were responsible for the crash.