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It’s presumed Daniel Adelfo Ortiz-Flores, 21, of Mexico, drowned last weekend while floating alone on an inexpensive dinghy near Skutz Falls.

He was camping there with friends May 17 when the raft he was in overturned.

Police said he wasn’t wearing a lifejacket, and didn’t know how to swim.

A search effort was immediately launched at the time of the capsize, but was later called off without results. However, a passerby close to the river in the 5200 block of Heritage Road saw the body under nearly a metre of water about 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, Cowichan Valley Search and Rescue’s swift water rescue team and a member of the B.C. Coroner’s office rushed to the scene and recovered the remains.

Members of Ortiz-Flores’ family positively identified him at the Cowichan District Hospital later the same day.

Police said earlier the disaster could have been avoided if Ortiz-Flores had been aware of the safety risks on the rapids which made more dangerous by seasonal high water levels.

Lake Cowichan RCMP Cpl. Kurt Gottfried said the victim was on a “cheap dingy” without a lifejacket when his raft capsized.

“It wasn’t the type of vessel to withstand the pounding of going over the rapids,” said Gottfried.

“Some people don’t realize how dangerous the rapids can be, and how turbulent the water can be.”

North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Const. Susan Boyes said the incident should serve as a warning for others.

“This tragedy highlights the precautions necessary when spending time on our waterways this season,” she said.

Police said an autopsy will be performed later this week, but foul play is not suspected in the man’s death.

Police said it’s expected Ortiz-Flores’ body will then be flown back to Mexico, where his funeral will be held.

May 27, 2008

http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/19273924.html