Vancouver Island police say man, 19, drowns in Upper Thetis Lake

RCMP logo shown in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

September 05, 2025 - 1:19 PM

VIEW ROYAL — An RCMP underwater recovery team has been sent to Upper Thetis Lake on southern Vancouver Island to help find the body of a 19-year-old man.

Police say witnesses reported the man going under and not resurfacing on Thursday.

Several bystanders tried to help but were unable to find the man.

The RCMP says emergency crews attended the scene, including the View Royal Fire Department with its boat, but the search had to be suspended when darkness fell.

Police say the underwater team returned to the site Friday to continue the search.

West Shore RCMP are extending condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, as well as those who tried to rescue him.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 5, 2025.

News from © The Canadian Press, 2025

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Vancouver Island police say man, 19, drowns in Upper Thetis Lake

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