Driver dead after vehicle plunges into water off B.C. Gulf Island

Mayne Island is shown in this undated file photo. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Douglas Williams)

Mounties are investigating after a driver was found dead inside a submerged vehicle off one of British Columbia’s southern Gulf Islands earlier this month.

A statement from the Outer Gulf Islands RCMP detachment says investigators were called to the crash site in Mayne Island’s Miners Bay at 10:53 a.m. on March 9.

First responders, including firefighters and paramedics, found the vehicle upside down in the water in the bay’s tidal zone, according to police.

The driver, who was the lone occupant, was found dead inside the vehicle, the statement said.

Speed likely a factor

Investigators say the vehicle was probably travelling west on Fernhill Road when it collided with a concrete barrier at the intersection with Georgina Point Road.

The vehicle then struck the north railing of the public pier and then went over a cliff and into the water next to the wharf, according to police.

High speed is believed to have contributed to the crash, authorities said.

“This is a tragic incident, which ended the life of a local Mayne Island resident,” said Marcel Taekema, acting detachment commander of the Outer Gulf Islands RCMP, in the statement.

“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of this individual.”

Police are asking for anyone with information related to the fatal crash to contact investigators at 250-629-6171.

The collision remains under investigation by both the local RCMP and the B.C Coroners Service.