Two people have drowned in separate incidents in Nanaimo on Wednesday, May 20, with one incident sparking a large search effort. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff
large emergency response
May 21, 2026 | 10:37 AM
NANAIMO — Two people have drowned in what RCMP are saying were separate incidents on Wednesday night, prompting major search efforts
Mounties received a check-well-being call at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, for a woman who was seen on the water in Departure Bay.
Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said this sparked a large search effort, which included Nanaimo Search and Rescue crews, the Nanaimo Port Authority, and two aircraft from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron from CFB Comox.
“Around 9 p.m., the woman was found deceased near Departure Bay beach. Life-saving measures were applied, but she was pronounced deceased. Foul play is not suspected.”