The BC RCMP Dive Team, working with the Okanogan County Sheriff Department, have successfully recovered the remains of a Surrey businessman who drowned while on vacation in the United States.

On August 1 Mr. John Mele, while vacationing with family and friends on Washington’s Osoyoos Lake, dove into the water from a boat and failed to resurface after he experienced a medical issue.

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Department attended the scene and conducted a dive search but were unable to locate his body. At the request of the family, the Sheriff’s Department contacted the BC RCMP to see if they would be able to assist with the search.

After obtaining the proper clearances to cross the border BC RCMP Dive Team members reached the lake on August 3 and were able to able to locate Mr. Mele by using RCMP underwater sonar equipment. He was recovered by Sheriff’s Department divers.

“While we routinely work with our law enforcement partners in the United States on operational and criminal files, assisting with this type of request is unusual. We are thankful the RCMP was able to assist in locating Mr. Mele to help his family find closure,” says RCMP Superintendent Tim Head, Acting District Commander, Southeast District.