Magna Bay – man on boat passes out, drowns

Chase RCMP respond to drowning at Magna Bay area.

Kelowna RCMP.

On July 30 at approximately 08:45 a.m. the Chase RCMP responded to a call from BC Ambulance Service to assist in the search for a male presumed drowned in the waters off Magna Bay, on Shuswap Lake.

RCMP responded to the 6900 block of Andres Rd and on arrival learned that the 26 year old male had fallen unconscious while conducting maintenance on a 20′ Tige pleasure craft. At the time of the incident, the boat was moored to a buoy approximately 30 feet off shore.

“The male was positioned near the rear swim deck, with the boat running, and engine idling. Witnesses on scene stated observing the male appeared to be in medical distress moments before he fell into the water and sunk beneath the surface” stated Cpl Dan Moskaluk.

Alert bystanders reacted immediately, with attempts at a free dive rescue; however the male could not be located beneath the surface due to the depth.

The local Volunteer Search & Rescue first responders were the first agency on scene. A local diver with familiarity of the lake and diving certification volunteered his services to assist in the search.

The diver located male on the bottom of the lake in close proximity to the boat. He was recovered from a depth of approximately 45 feet about 1 hour after falling overboard. The male was pronounced deceased on scene.

The Chase RCMP is continuing to assist the BC Coroners Service in regards to the man’s death. An autopsy will be conducted to determined the exact cause of death. Drugs and/or alcohol are not believed at this time to have been contributing factors in the tragic incident. The male was not wearing a life jacket/Personal Floatation Device at the time that he was working on the boat.

The Chase RCMP investigators and Victim Assistance worker are continuing to assist the immediate family who witnessed the tragic and sudden incident.

The RCMP and BC Coroners Service have not released the identity of the man pending notification of extended family. The family requests that the media and public respect their request for privacy at this time.

Kelowna RCMP
July 30, 2010 16:51 PDT
File # 2010-07-30