Scuba diver’s death in B.C. a ‘tragic incident,’ police say as investigation underway

Mount Benson is pictured from the shore of Gabriola Island, B.C. (iStock)

Police are investigating the sudden death of a scuba diver in British Columbia’s southern Gulf Islands.

Gabriola Island RCMP say paramedics responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive diver in the water at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20.

Bystanders spotted the diver—later identified as a 66-year-old man—near a mooring buoy in Degnen Bay, a protected cove on the southeast end of the island.

Mounties say bystanders saw the man lying motionless on the surface for several minutes before they took a boat out to him and discovered he was not breathing.

The witnesses attempted life-saving efforts and were later assisted by local firefighters, doctors and emergency health services personnel.

“Despite these efforts, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene, and police were notified,” the RCMP said in a statement Friday.

“The investigation indicates the man entered the water alone from the Degnen Bay dock wearing full scuba equipment and swam a short distance, less than 100 feet,” before he was unresponsive, police said.

Investigators say the man’s death is not considered suspicious at this time.

“This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the man’s family and those who were involved in the response,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Brett Urano in a statement.

“We would also like to acknowledge the quick actions of bystanders and the co-ordinated efforts of emergency responders who provided immediate assistance.”

The B.C. Coroners Service has assumed conduct of the death investigation.