What started out as a day of fishing on Chemainus Lake ended tragically for two Island men, when their canoe overturned.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP were called to Chemainus Lake at approximately 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, after receiving a report of two men in the water.
Chemainus Fire, Cowichan Valley Search and Rescue, and the RCMP Dive Team were called to the scene. An RCMP helicopter also arrived to help with the search.
A 22 year old Nanaimo resident was able to make it to shore and was treated at the scene by paramedics. But his companion, also a 22 year old Island resident, drowned, his body being recovered at about 4 p.m.
The name of the victim has not yet been released by the Coroner’s Office and RCMP are continuing their investigation into the tragic incident.