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A 66-year-old man has died in a scuba diving accident on Wednesday near the Degnen Bay marina on the southeastern corner of Gabriola Island. It was the first of three water-related incidents in the area Wednesday night. (Image Credit: Google Maps)
tragic incident

Gabriola man dies while scuba diving in waters off Island

May 22, 2026 | 8:49 AM

GABRIOLA ISLAND — Mounties say the death of a 66-year-old scuba diver is not considered suspicious but rather a tragic incident.

Police report on Wednesday, May 20 at around 5 p.m., reports came in regarding an unresponsive scuba diver near Degnen Bay dock on the south end of Gabriola Island.

Members from the Gabriola Fire Department, BC Emergency Health Services, and local physicians rushed to the scene to recover the man, however he was not able to be revived.

A statement from RCMP said he was located near a mooring buoy.

“The investigation indicates the man entered the water alone from the Degnen Bay dock wearing full scuba equipment and swam a short distance, less than 100 feet. Bystanders later observed him motionless on the surface for several minutes before they attended by boat and discovered he was not breathing.”

The BC Coroners Service has assumed control of the investigation into the man’s death, from RCMP.

“This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the man’s family and those who were involved in the response,” RCMP Cpl. Brett Urano said in a statement. “We would also like to acknowledge the quick actions of bystanders and the coordinated efforts of emergency responders who provided immediate assistance.”

It marks the third swimming-related incident to claim a life on Wednesday.

Two people drowned near Departure Bay in Nanaimo, in separate incidents between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., prompting a large-scale search and rescue mission involving several agencies from across Vancouver Island.

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