A capsized canoe resulted in one man drowning last week.
According to Cpl. Ryan Fehler from the Burns Lake RCMP detachment the man, aged 48 and a woman, aged 43 were reportedly fishing near the Paul’s Landing Road boat launch just after 7 a.m., June 23.
The canoe capsized, resulting in both people being tossed from the canoe into the water.
“The female made it back to shore and the male did not,” Cpl. Fehler said.
RCMP were notified of the incident and attended the scene along with search and rescue to locate the missing boater.”
At approximately 11:50 a.m. the man was located and was returned to shore where B.C. ambulance personnel and RMCP officers continued to administer first aid and transport him to hospital.
“He was later pronounced dead at the Lakes District Hospital,” he said, adding that the name of the deceased is being withheld pending family notifications.
RCMP did however say that the man had been residing in the area for some time.
Preliminary investigation has indicated that the man and woman were wearing life jackets; however, the life jacket of the deceased was not fastened correctly.
Alcohol is also believed to have been a factor.
The Burns Lake RCMP are continuing to investigate all circumstances leading to the death.
“RCMP will be working with the B.C. Coroner’s Service who will be conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death,” Cpl. Fehler added.
The Burns Lake RCMP would like to speak with anyone who may have been on Tchesinkut Lake, or witnessed anyone on the lake near the Paul’s Landing Road boat launch on the morning of June 23, 2011. Further, if anyone observed a black Dodge pick up being operated on Tchesinkut Lake Road East at this time please contact the Burns Lake RCMP.