Chilliwack RCMP successfully located the body of a 13-year-old girl at Cultus Lake in British Columbia after a thorough three-day search. The young girl was discovered by the police’s underwater recovery team on Monday afternoon, approximately 20 meters beneath the lake’s surface.
According to RCMP Cpl. Carmen Kiener, the girl, who was not wearing a life jacket, is believed to have experienced a medical emergency while floating on a paddleboard on Saturday and subsequently fell into the water. Kiener expressed deep sorrow for the loss, emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident.
Following a report of a potential drowning on Saturday, authorities initiated a search operation in the Entrance Bay area, urging boaters and the public to steer clear due to poor visibility caused by heavy silt at the lake bottom. The investigation has now been passed on to the B.C. Coroners Service.
Chilliwack RCMP issued a reminder to the public to exercise extra caution around water bodies. Notably, there has been a significant increase in accidental drownings in British Columbia this summer, with a reported 54% surge compared to the previous year.
Kiener highlighted that near-drowning incidents are frequently reported at Cultus Lake. Just after the recovery of the 13-year-old girl, a man without a life jacket fell off a paddleboard and encountered distress. Subsequently, two individuals who came to assist also faced difficulties, requiring RCMP intervention for their retrieval.
In a separate recent incident, a man at the lake almost drowned and had to be rescued by bystanders before receiving medical attention at a hospital. Kiener emphasized the importance of understanding the risks associated with water activities and recommended the use of properly fitted life jackets, proficient swimming skills, and avoiding swimming alone.