(UPDATE: Aug. 29 @ 8:45 am) - Police in Kamloops are seeking witnesses to a drowning at Kamloops Lake this past Saturday.
Just after 5 pm on Aug. 23, Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP responded to a report that a swimmer had been in distress before going underwater.
Despite the efforts of those nearby, the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) international student had disappeared into the deep water and did not resurface.
“Tobiano Fire Rescue, Kamloops Search and Rescue, Kamloops Fire Rescue, along with the BC Conservation Service, all attended and attempted to recover the body,” said Corporal Dana Napier.
“The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team was called and removed the body.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to the police is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2025-27751.
This grim incident marks the second time this summer that a TRU international student has drowned.
The previous drowning occurred at the beginning of July, east of the Overlander Bridge. The student, identified as 27-year-old Jatin Garg, reportedly entered the river to retrieve a volleyball, but was caught by an undercurrent and pulled away and underwater.
Garg’s body was then recovered near McArthur Island.
At the end of July, 23-year-old Braden Wallace-Peters went missing in the Thompson River after jumping off the Overlanders Bridge in the evening of July 30.
The young man is presumed to have drowned and an online fundraiser was started to raise funds to cover funeral expenses and to search for him.
(Original story: Aug. 25 at 10:05 am) - More information about a drowning at Kamloops Lake on Saturday has been revealed by Kamloops Search and Rescue (KSAR).
According to a social media post by KSAR, its members were tasked with responding to a possible drowning at Kamloops Lake on Saturday evening.
KSAR shared that an individual was reportedly swimming towards a dock near Bruker Marina, but did not reach the dock.
“The Tobiano Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene within minutes, along with BCEHS and Tk'emlups RCMP. KSAR arrived shortly afterwards,” wrote KSAR.
“Using an underwater drone, also known as a Remotely Operated Vehicle, and with the assistance of COSAR, the body was located by SAR on the lake floor that night at 11:00 pm.”
The body of the individual was recovered by the RCMP dive team on Sunday, with help from the Tobiano Volunteer Fire Department and KSAR.
“KSAR extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the individual during this difficult time,” added the organization.
“We recognize the profound sorrow and loss that comes with such a tragedy, and we want to express our deepest sympathy to all those affected. Our thoughts are with you as you navigate through this challenging period.”
