News release

Vehicle plunges into ocean

February 17, 2025 - Outer Gulf Islands, British Columbia
From: Outer Gulf Islands RCMP

Content

On Sunday February 16th, 2025 at approximately 8:45 p.m. Outer Gulf Islands RCMP received a report of a submerged vehicle in the pacific ocean within Thieves Bay, Pender Island. Three youth were out for a drive when they observed what they believed to be a boat partially submerged just south of the boat launch in Thieves Bay Marina, approximately 50 feet off shore. However upon further inspection they determined that it was in fact a vehicle, not a boat and quickly called 911.

Outer Gulf Islands RCMP, Pender Island Fire Rescue and Coast Guard assets from Ganges, Salt Spring Island were dispatched and quickly arrived on scene locating the SUV with the top of the roof visible. It was soon determined that the vehicle was unoccupied.

"Initial investigation found that the vehicle more then likely entered the water by driving down the boat launch ramp," said Cst. Marcel TAEKEMA, Outer Gulf Islands RCMP acting detachment commander. "The vehicle was partially submerged and the drivers door was found open, which would have allowed anyone inside to escape relatively unscathed."

The Coast Guard conducted a shoreline search without locating any persons in distress. Pender Island Fire Rescue, with assistance from the RCMP were able to lash a cable around the SUV and remove it from the ocean preventing further environmental damage.

Police were able to later locate the driver and sole occupant uninjured.

The investigation determined that the cause of the vehicle entering the ocean was accidental. 

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