A man died early Saturday morning after he climbed on a railing of the Johnson Street Bridge, lost his balance, and fell into the water below.
(City of Victoria webcam footage)
VicPD received multiple 911 calls just after 1:30 a.m. after the intoxicated man was seen falling into the water below the bridge.
Several people on scene attempted to give direction to the man to swim to safety.
RELATED: City opens new pathway, observation decks at Johnson Street Bridge
Police officers attended within two minutes of the 9-1-1 call and attempted to assist the man but were unsuccessful, with one officer suffering minor, non-life threatening injuries. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre were called in for assistance as VicPD does not have a marine response capability.
A Canadian Coast Guard boat was dispatched and recovered the man’s body with assistance of VicPD officers.
The file has been handed over to the BC Coroner Service.
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