Image Credit: Contributed / Global Okanagan

By Shelby Thom / Global Okanagan

Okanagan Lake Search

Search resumes for body of Kamloops firefighter presumed drowned in Okanagan Lake

May 31, 2021 | 11:12 AM

KELOWNA — Extensive search efforts resumed on Sunday with crews determined to recover the body of an off-duty firefighter presumed drowned in Okanagan Lake.

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) and RCMP divers were once again searching the east end of the William R. Bennett Bridge in Kelowna, B.C., after two possible areas were identified by sonar equipment.

Brian Lannon, 53, was recreationally scuba diving with his wife, Jennifer Cook, along with two local Kelowna divers, on Saturday, May 15 in Okanagan Lake.

They completed a morning dive near the bridge without incident. During the second dive of the day, though, Lannon became separated from his diving partner, with the dive team losing contact with him, the family said in a statement.

“When it became apparent that he had not resurfaced, his dive team began searching with the assistance of some local boaters and called for emergency response,” they said.

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“The search for Brian has continued since then and has now become a recovery effort.”

The statement said Lannon’s family is very grateful for the efforts of the Kelowna RCMP and the RCMP’s dive team, Kelowna Fire Rescue and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue.

They also thanked Kamloops Fire Rescue for the overwhelming support it has provided.

“Boaters are asked to not cross under the east side of Kelowna’s William R. Bennett Bridge today as their wake can create turbidity, making it harder to see images,” COSAR said in a statement issued on Sunday.

“It is also unsafe for divers.”

Lannon was a captain with Kamloops Fire Rescue, having served as a firefighter since 1994, according to his family.

“He was a much-loved husband, son, brother and uncle and a cherished friend to many.”