In a tragic incident that unfolded at the Saanich Inlet on Monday evening, a man lost his life while attempting to swim towards his drifting boat.
The event prompted an immediate response from Mounties at the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP detachment. Awareness of the unfolding incident gripped the area around 5:40 p.m., causing a flutter of activity near the Pauquachin boat ramp in Coles Bay.
Two RCMP officers, guided by a swift sense of duty and the willingness to risk their own lives, plunged into the water without hesitation. Aided by several bystanders, they furiously battled the water currents, their collective aim to reach the struggling individual.
The man, believed to be in his 40s, was eventually brought back to shore. A palpable tension hung in the air as he was swiftly transferred to an awaiting ambulance. Here, a team of proficient paramedics and firefighters began administering immediate first aid.
Despite their skilled and concerted efforts, however, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Further investigations by authorities revealed a heartbreaking chain of events. The man, it seemed, was laboring to retrieve his boat, which had unpredictably drifted away from the boat launch. He had become severely fatigued in the cold water, a lethal factor contributing to his tragic demise.
Reacting to the incident, Sidney North Saanich RCMP Cpl. Andres Sanchez, voiced deep regret at the unfortunate outcome. “We remain deeply saddened by the outcome of this event, with our thoughts and condolences extended to the bereaved family and the community,” he said on Tuesday. Stressing the importance of adequate safety measures, he further added, “This incident should serve as a stark reminder that regardless of one’s swimming prowess, without proper flotation equipment, the cold water poses a potential risk.”
As the community mourns its loss, the B.C. Coroners Service has stepped in to carry out a full-fledged investigation into the drowning.
