Man drowns in Slocan River, search for body continues

Photo: Contributed

RCMP are seeking witnesses to a drowning in B.C.'s Slocan River.

Police responded to the incident at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, just north of Winlaw, in the Kootenays.

A 35-year-old man was swimming with an acquaintance when he went under and didn't resurface.

The friend called 911 from a nearby business, says Cpl. Jaime Moffat, detachment commander for the Slocan RCMP. 

Search and rescue used a helicopter and commenced searching the river by 7:40 p.m. However, due to the time of day, they were unable to use a boat to search for the man.

The river is a well-used swimming spot, which is usually shallow in that area and there are sandbars to stand on. However, police say water is high right now and the undercurrent is strong.

Search crews and the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team returned to the area this morning to resume their search.

Anyone who was in the area and might have seen anything is asked to contact police.