Mounties investigate missing recreational diver in Okanagan Lake

A 52 year old diver has gone missing in Okanagan Lake and RCMP are asking that the public keep their distance from the search effort.

Emergency crews in West Kelowna rushed to Okanagan Lake on the east side of the William Bennett Bridge May 15 just before 2:50 p.m., in response to a 911 emergency call for a report of a possible drowning incident.

Const. Solana Paré said in a press release Police learned that the man was recreational diving in the waters of Okanagan Lake 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 co-ordinated efforts to locate the man, however, he is still missing," she said.

Kelowna Fire Department, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue as well as the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team will resume their efforts today to locate the man. Police ask that the public provide space and distance on the lake while they continue their search.

 


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Kathy Michaels

Kathy Michaels has been an Okanagan-based journalist for more than a decade, working for community papers along the valley and beyond.
She’s won provincial and national awards in business, news and feature writing and says that her love for telling a good story rivals only her fondness for turning a good phrase.
If you have a story that deserves to be told in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, don’t hesitate to reach out.
To reach Kathy call 250-718-0428 or email kmichaels@infonews.ca.