Man dies after being pulled from freezing waters off Saanich, British Columbia – BC
Vancouver Island RCMP say a tragic incident in Coles Bay on Monday is a powerful reminder of how dangerous water can be.
At approximately 5:40 p.m., Sidney North Saanich RCMP and emergency crews were called to the Pauquachin boat launch in Coles Bay, Saanich Inlet, where a man was struggling in the water. water.
Officers arrived to find two bystanders attempting to help, and two RCMP officers entered the water and swam to retrieve the man.
Police and bystanders managed to bring the man, aged in his 40s, to the ground, where paramedics and firefighters attempted to help him.
“The unfortunate and sad thing here is that this individual could not be revived,” said Cpl. Andres Sancehz told PKBNEWS.
Police believe the man was trying to recover his boat, which had drifted away from the speedboat, but began struggling due to the cold water temperature.
“The take-home message from this incident is that any time you work near water, you’re on a boat, even if you’re on a dock, it’s always a good idea to wear a flotation device,” Sanchez said.
“Even the strongest swimmer can sometimes succumb to cold water, especially this time of year.”
The British Columbia Coroners Service is currently investigating the man’s death.
© 2023 PKBNEWS, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
