The driver of a pickup truck that ended up in Cowichan Bay was taken into custody for impaired driving and later released to hospital.
Witnesses reported the truck went down the boat ramp and off the launch into the ocean about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, North Cowichan RCMP said.
Police officers who arrived at the scene at 7:43 p.m. saw a man getting out of the truck. He told officers his girlfriend was still inside the submerged vehicle.
An officer dived into the water to search for any remaining occupants, and rescue vessels were dispatched from the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Police determined the vehicle was empty and confirmed the driver’s girlfriend was safe and at home in Victoria.
A police investigation is ongoing and charges will be forwarded to Crown counsel.
