One worker in Crofton has died after the machinery they were operating fell into the ocean with them trapped inside, according to the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
RCMP says officers were called to the Catalyst Pulp and Paper Mill in Crofton around noon for a report that the machinery fell into the ocean with a worker trapped inside.
RCMP, fire and ambulance responded, then were joined by the Canadian Coast Guard who attempted to rescue the worker.
The worker died and was unable to be revived, RCMP said in a release.
The BC Coroners Service and WorkSafeBC are conducting investigations into the incident.
WorkSafeBC says it deployed its Occupational Health and Safety Investigations team to the site.
“The primary purpose of a WorkSafeBC investigation is to identify the cause of the incident, and any contributing factors, so that similar incidents can be prevented from happening in the future,” WorkSafeBC said in a statement.
The BC Coroner Service confirmed it is investigating “but as it’s an open investigation, I’m unable to provide any more details.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.
