Scuba diver dies near Gabriola Island dock in non-suspicious incident

A 66-year-old Gabriola Island man has died following a scuba diving incident at Degnen Bay earlier this week, according to Gabriola Island RCMP.

Police say emergency crews were called to the area around 5 p.m. on May 20th after BC Emergency Health Services received a report of an unresponsive diver in the water.

According to police, bystanders located the man floating near a mooring buoy and began life-saving efforts before first responders arrived.

Paramedics, the Gabriola Fire Department and local physicians all attended the scene and continued resuscitation efforts.

Despite those efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene and the death is not considered suspicious.

Police say the man had entered the water alone from the Degnen Bay dock wearing full scuba gear and had only travelled a short distance — less than 100 feet — before bystanders noticed him motionless on the surface for several minutes.

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

He also acknowledged the actions of bystanders and emergency crews who responded to the incident.

The BC Coroners Service has taken over the investigation with support from Gabriola Island RCMP.