Policy takes precedence over drowning victim
Twin lifesavers
The St. Lawrence River near Montreal seen here in 2010.
Credits: REUTERS/Shaun Best
MONTREAL, QC - A 59-year-old man drowned in the Saint Lawrence River yesterday, bringing Quebec's toll to 46 drownings this year.
The man was swimming when the current carried him away, according to witnesses who contacted authorities around 6 p.m.
Montreal police located his body shortly after 8 p.m. At midnight, divers retrieved the man's body.
Swimming is not forbidden albeit not recommended in this area of the river, to which locals have access.
The office of the coroner is investigating the drowning. Authorities will also complete an autopsy on the body.
According to information that remained unconfirmed early Sunday morning, the man may have been under the influence of alcohol when the current carried him away in the Verdun borough of Montreal.
