RCMP authorities have retrieved the remains of a 13-year-old female from Cultus Lake in British Columbia after conducting a three-day search at the prominent swimming location in the Fraser Valley. The police’s underwater search team located the teenager approximately 20 meters beneath the water’s surface around 2 p.m. PT on Monday.
According to Chilliwack RCMP Cpl. Carmen Kiener, the adolescent, who was not wearing a life jacket, is presumed to have experienced a medical emergency while floating on a paddleboard on Saturday and subsequently fallen into the water. Kiener expressed deep regret for the tragic incident, stating that such occurrences are unexpected and sorrowful for everyone involved.
The search operation was initiated following a notification of a possible drowning on early Saturday afternoon. Search teams concentrated their efforts in the Entrance Bay region, urging boaters and the public to avoid the area due to poor visibility caused by heavy silt at the lake bottom. The case has now been handed over to the B.C. Coroners Service for further investigation.
In light of the recent surge in accidental drownings in British Columbia this summer, with a reported 54% increase compared to the previous year, Chilliwack RCMP is emphasizing the importance of water safety measures. Near-drowning incidents are not uncommon at Cultus Lake, said Kiener, citing a recent incident involving a man in distress while paddleboarding without a life jacket.
Kiener highlighted the significance of always wearing a properly fitted life jacket, possessing adequate swimming skills, and avoiding swimming alone to mitigate the risks associated with water activities.
