Coquitlam RCMP continue recovery of submerged car in Fraser River

Police in Metro Vancouver say an underwater recovery team continues theirwork to recover a vehicle submerged in the Fraser River, near the Port Mann Bridge.

Coquitlam RCMP say they received a report of a vehicle in the water by the boat launch at Maquabeak Parkshortly after 12:15 a.m. PT on Saturday.

They say officers arrived to find the vehicle "fully submerged" with its lights on.

Police say two officers entered the water but were unable to access the vehicle, and they were subsequently taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. One of them sustained minor injuries.

Crews with Coquitlam Fire and Rescue were unable to reach the vehicle by boat on Saturday.

However, RCMP say their dive team was able to look into the car and did not notice anyone inside. They say it might be a few days yet before the car is removed from the water, which is when police can fully determine if anyone was inside.

"We can confirm that the vehicle was recently reported stolen from a neighbouring jurisdiction," said Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a statement. "We are asking anyone who has information regarding this incident to contact our investigators."

Hodgins told CBC News that the nearby boat launch may be closed as investigators continue to work to recover the stolen car.

Anyone with more information is asked to call Coquitlam RCMP at604-945-1550 and quote file number 2024-8540.