Two people die in separate drowning incidents at Nanaimo, B.C., beaches Wednesday evening

On the evening of May 20, the Nanaimo RMCP responded to two unrelated drowning incidents.

Police are investigating after two people died in unrelated drowning incidents Wednesday evening in Nanaimo, prompting a large emergency response involving air, land, and marine units.

The first incident was reported just before 6 p.m. at Departure Bay Beach, when police were called to check the well-being of an adult woman.

A co-ordinated search followed involving Nanaimo Search and Rescue, Nanaimo Harbour Patrol, RCMP officers, and two aircraft from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron.

Around 9 p.m., searchers found the woman in the water near the beach. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

While that response was still happening, emergency crews were called to a second incident at about 7:30 p.m. near the 1200-block of Stewart Avenue, close to the Brechin boat ramp, where a man was reported to be in distress while swimming.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue, BC Emergency Health Services, Nanaimo Harbour Patrol, and RCMP officers responded and pulled the man out of the water. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, RCMP spokesperson Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien said the incidents were witnessed by members of the public and may have had a significant emotional impact.

“Witnessing a sudden medical emergency or loss of life can be very distressing,” O’Brien said. “Anyone affected is encouraged to seek support.”

Support is available through Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services, which offers confidential assistance to witnesses and community members affected by traumatic events.