RCMP has confirmed the identity of the kayaker killed on the Cameron River outside of Port Alberni on Tuesday, Cpl. Jen Allan said.
Nanaimo resident Mackenzie Shafers, 26, drowned after his kayak overturned then trapped him under a log. His 37-year-old friend’s efforts to revive him failed.
The friend hiked out until he got to an area where he got cellphone service and called for help.
Emergency crews arrived at approximately 9 p.m. but the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad couldn’t recover Schafers’ body — which was located in the water 91 metres below the road — until 10:30 a.m. the next morning.
Both men were experienced kayakers, Allan said.
An investigation is underway by the B.C. Coroner’s Service. “But there’s nothing to suggest that this is anything but a tragic accident,” Allan said.
reporter@albernivalleynews.com
