A fisherman died early Wednesday when he got caught in netting and was pulled into the waters of Alberni Inlet during a commercial-fishing opening.
B.C. RCMP said there were dozens of commercial vessels in the area and several people saw what happened. The fisherman was alone on his boat.
Witnesses responded immediately and tried to free the fisherman from the net, but their efforts were complicated by the weight of the net’s catch.
The man was eventually removed from the water and brought to shore. First aid was given until B.C. Ambulance paramedics and the Port Alberni Fire Department were able to take over, but he could not be revived.
The incident is being investigated by the Port Alberni RCMP, the B.C. Coroners Service and WorkSafe B.C. The coast guard was also at the scene.
Police said the vessel involved is registered in Surrey. The incident is not considered to be suspicious.
