The Prince Rupert RCMP recovered the bodies of two Prince Rupert Men from the city’s harbour early Saturday morning.
At about 5:30 am the RCMP and Coast Guard responded to a sighting of a body floating out in the Prince Rupert harbour. When they arrived, they located the body of a Prince Rupert area man whose identity has yet to be released.
About 5 five hours later, while the police were investigating the area where the body was found they found the body of a second man in the water near the Metlakatla ferry dock.
The RCMP’s forensic identification team and the Prince Rupert Coroner Service were then sent out to investigate.
Investigators learned that both men were seen the night before at the Metlakatla docks and were intoxicated. The police believe that both men fell from the docks into the water and drowned. They do not believe any foul play was involved.
"It is with great sadness that we are having to inform the public of this incident, and our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic event,” says the Prince Rupert RCMP’s spokesman, Cst. Matt Ericson.
"We would also like to remind the public of the inherent dangers of consuming alcohol both near and on water, and in this circumstance the fatal consequences."
Despite the lack of a suspicion of foul play, the RCMP and BC Coroner Service is still investigating the case. The police are asking for anyone with any more information about the incident to call 250-627-0700.