An RCMP dive team has retrieved a car and the body of one of two Clearwater, B.C., teachers who died after their vehicle skidded off Highway 5 into the Thompson River on Sunday.

An underwater recovery team has pulled Skye and Courtney Buck's car from the water.

It was submerged in about 3½ metres of water about six metres from shore, said RCMP Const. Lesley Smith.

They also retrieved Skye Buck's body, but continue to look for his wife, who is presumed dead.

"We are making every effort possible in locating Courtney Buck. That river is fast flowing at this time and of course the North Thompson will run into the Thompson River ... into Kamloops," said Smith.

Skye and Courtney Buck's car went off Highway 5 at Wolf's Corner, about 17 kilometers south of Clearwater, B.C. (CBC)

"At this time we are just focusing on the areas that we can get to."

Smith said an RCMP helicopter will search the river from the air if weather conditions improve, and searchers are also combing the sides of the North Thompson River.

The Bucks were high school sweethearts and popular teachers in Clearwater.

Grief counsellors are in the town helping people deal with the tragedy.