Nanaimo RCMP have called off the search for a diver who went missing Friday.
Complications arose when three divers from the United States were participating in a recreational deep dive off Snake Island, near Nanaimo’s Departure Bay.
One diver was confirmed dead Friday night. The other diver is in good condition.
Nanaimo RCMP Sgt. Sheryl Armstrong said the depth of the water, about 200 metres, made it too dangerous to continue the search for the third diver.
“The level of depth is far too deep for our divers or coast guard divers to do safely,” Armstrong said. “It’s a non-criminal matter so it will be turned over to the coroner’s office.”
The search, which included the coast guard and aircraft from CFB Comox, started about 3 p.m. Friday.
The divers’ identities have not been released. The RCMP is working with the U.S. Consulate to notify their families.
The divers’ tanks will be tested to determine if there was an equipment failure.
Sea Dragon Charters, which organized the dive, did not respond to requests to comment.
