UPDATE: RCMP and search team continue search for missing diver in Okanagan Lake

May 17, 2021 | 11:00 AM

UPDATE 11:00 a.m.

The search for a missing and presumed drowned man in Okanagan Lake in Kelowna is into its third day.

A 52-year-old man failed to resurface while recreationally diving near the Bennett Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

West Kelowna RCMP, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team, Kelowna Fire and Rescue, and members of the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) were on scene Sunday. Despite extensive efforts, they were unable to locate the man, and he is presumed to have drowned. The RCMP dive team and COSAR are at the location again today, attempting to locate the body.

“For the safety of our divers and the entire search team, we request that boaters remain away from the area while we complete our search,” said Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy. “At this time, searchers are unable to estimate how long this operation will be on-going.”

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Investigators do not believe criminality was involved in this incident. The BC Coroners Service has also been notified.

May 16: Search for missing diver in Okanagan Lake

A man is presumed to have drowned while diving in Okanagan Lake.

On Saturday May 15 just before 2:50 p.m., emergency crews in West Kelowna were called to the lake on the east side of the William Bennett Bridge in response to a 911 call about a possible drowning.

Police learned that a 52-year-old man was recreational diving and failed to re-surface.

“Witnesses on scene and members of the man’s diving group were unable to locate the man, and immediately called for assistance. Emergency crew coordinated efforts to locate the man, however he is still missing,” RCMP Constable Solana Paré said.

Kelowna Fire Department, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue as well as the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team were continuing to look for the man at last report.

by Pete McIntyre

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