RCMP identify Baddeck man who died while scuba diving
Fisherman found the body of Arthur Dennis McNeil, 56
CBC News
Posted: Sep 17, 2012 6:24 AM AT
Last Updated: Sep 17, 2012 5:09 PM AT
The missing diver was found just off the shore from the new Campbellton Road around 7:30 p.m. Sunday night. (Google Maps)
RCMP have confirmed the identity of a Baddeck man who was found dead Sunday night off Cape Breton Island after he disappeared during a diving trip.
Arthur Dennis McNeil, 56, and nine others from the Baddeck Barnacles Scuba Diving Society went for a recreational dive at 3:45 p.m.
They entered the water at the end of the New Campbellton Road in Victoria County.
When only nine divers surfaced the RCMP were called in.
'A local fisherman who was operating a vessel did spot a fin in the water and the body was discovered at that time.'—Cpl. Scott Williamson
RCMP Cpl. Scott Williamson said the search began at 5:30 p.m.
"A search was conducted of the area with vessels and also with members of the Sydney Mines volunteer fire department who were scuba divers entered the water along with other members of the Baddeck Barnacles diving society and their search proved negative," he said.
A Cormorant helicopter from Greenwood was also dispatched, but it was a local fisherman who spotted the body two hours after the search began.
"A local fisherman who was operating a vessel did spot a fin in the water and the body was discovered at that time," Williamson said.
RCMP said McNeil would have been in the water for about three hours and 45 minutes.
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday in Halifax, but police say they do not suspect foul play.
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