Investigation launched into death of BC Ferries worker in Richmond

A man has died in a work-related incident at a BC Ferriesfacility in Richmond.

The manwas working at the BC Ferries fleet maintenance unit and fell into the Fraser River on Friday, according to the company. His body was recovered on Saturday.

"This is extremely distressing news for all of us and our hearts go out to his family and friends, to our employees who work at the fleet maintenance unit alongside this personand to our entire BC Ferries' family," said Deborah Marshall, a BC Ferries spokesperson, in an emailed statement.

According toGraeme Johnston, the presidentof the BCFerry andMarine Workers' Union, the man died of a suspected drowning.

Johnston also expressed the grief being felt by those who knew the man, who has not been namedby the union,BC Ferries, the BCCoroners Service, Richmond RCMP or WorkSafeBC.

According to the union, Richmond RCMP and BC Ferries, WorkSafeBC is now investigating the incident.

Police were called to the facility on Rice Mill Roadaround 11 p.m.Friday, according to Richmond RCMP Sgt. Dennis Hwang.

Hwang said a land and marine search was immediately launched, and the case is now being handed over to WorkSafeBC.

Flags at the BCFerry andMarine Workers' Unionoffice will remain at half-mast until the end of the month, said Johnston.