Community Alert: Two Separate Drownings in Nanaimo Waters

SECTION 1: THE ALERT

On the evening of Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Nanaimo RCMP responded to two separate drowning incidents along the waterfront in Nanaimo, British Columbia. One incident occurred in the area of Departure Bay Beach, while the second involved a swimmer near the Brechin boat ramp at the north end of Stewart Avenue. Both individuals, an adult woman and an adult man, were later pronounced deceased despite extensive rescue and medical efforts.

Investigators indicate that the two events are unrelated, and early findings do not point to foul play in either case. The BC Coroners Service is engaged in both investigations. These incidents are a sobering reminder of how quickly emergencies can unfold in and around the water, even in well-used public spaces across British Columbia, from coastal communities like Nanaimo to inland communities such as Duncan Lake 2.

SECTION 2: OFFICIAL DETAILS

According to the Nanaimo RCMP, the following sequence of events occurred on May 20, 2026 (files 2026-15571 and 2026-15592):

Incident 1 – Adult woman located near Departure Bay Beach

• Shortly before 6:00 p.m., police received a call requesting a check on the well-being of an adult woman at or near Departure Bay Beach in Nanaimo.
• Given the information received, a large-scale response was initiated, involving multiple agencies and rescue units.
• Resources deployed included:
  • Nanaimo RCMP officers
  • Nanaimo Search and Rescue (NSAR)
  • Two aircraft from 442 Rescue Squadron (CFB Comox)
  • Nanaimo Harbour Patrol
• At approximately 9:00 p.m., responders located a deceased woman in the water near Departure Bay Beach.
• First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the woman was pronounced deceased.
• Foul play is not suspected in this incident.
• The case has been turned over to the BC Coroners Service for further examination.

Incident 2 – Adult man in distress near Brechin boat ramp

• While the search for the missing woman was still underway, at around 7:30 p.m., a separate report was received about an adult man in apparent distress while swimming near the 1200 block of Stewart Avenue, in the vicinity of the Brechin boat ramp.
• Responding agencies included:
  • Nanaimo RCMP
  • Nanaimo Fire Rescue
  • BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS)
  • Nanaimo Harbour Patrol
• Rescuers were able to pull the man from the water.
• Harbour Patrol and BCEHS initiated life-saving interventions, but the man could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
• Initial indications again suggest no foul play.
• The circumstances of the drowning are being reviewed in cooperation with the BC Coroners Service.

Support for witnesses and community members

Both emergencies were seen by members of the public, and some witnesses may experience emotional or psychological impacts after watching a sudden medical crisis or loss of life. The Nanaimo RCMP emphasizes that support is available.

• Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services provides confidential assistance to anyone affected by these events.
• Those seeking support are encouraged to call 250-755-3100 for Victim Services.

SECTION 3: CRIME CANADA SAFETY PERSPECTIVE

At CrimeCanada.ca, we view incidents like these dual drownings in Nanaimo as critical community safety events, even when no criminal activity is suspected. Across British Columbia, from coastal areas to communities such as Deep Creek 2, water-related emergencies remain a serious risk. Sudden changes in currents, cold water shock, medical conditions, and fatigue can all turn routine swimming or shoreline activity into a life-threatening situation within minutes.

To reduce the risk of drowning, community members are encouraged to take basic precautions: use lifejackets or personal flotation devices when boating or swimming in open water; avoid swimming alone; be cautious around boat ramps and areas with marine traffic; closely supervise children near any body of water; and be aware of your own medical limitations. If you witness someone in distress in the water, call 911 immediately and, when safe, use flotation devices or reach-from-shore techniques rather than entering hazardous conditions yourself. By staying informed and prepared, we can help prevent further tragedies and support a safer environment for everyone using British Columbia’s beaches, lakes, and rivers.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the british-columbia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.