SCUBA Diver Drowns in Crane Lake During Salvage Operation

CRANE LAKE, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A tragic incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in St. Louis County, Minnesota. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department reported a drowning at Crane Lake, outside the boundaries of Voyageurs National Park. At approximately 12:13 p.m., authorities were alerted to a water emergency involving a 50-year-old man from Embarrass, Minnesota. The diver, though trained in scuba diving, was not affiliated with any recovery or salvage company. He was assisting a group in recovering a piece of sunken machinery from about 70 feet of water.

The recovery operation was conducted from a barge intended to transport the machinery back to shore. After spending some time underwater, the diver failed to resurface. Immediate rescue efforts were initiated by those present, along with area first responders. Despite exhaustive medical efforts on the scene, the diver was pronounced dead. The incident and cause of death are under investigation by the sheriff’s office, with assistance from the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office was supported by Voyageurs National Park Service Rangers, Crane Lake Fire Department, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, Minnesota DNR, and North Memorial Air Medical. The victim’s name is being withheld pending family notification.

I’m Alex Stone reporting for trfnews.i234.me