Montreal Drowning – Two Punjab Youths Die After Lachine Canal Rescue
Montreal Drowning – Two young men from Punjab died after being pulled from the Lachine Canal near René-Lévesque Park in Montreal, following a major overnight search by emergency crews. The men were found in the water after firefighters were alerted shortly after midnight over the weekend.
Emergency teams conduct extensive overnight search
The Montreal fire department launched a rescue operation involving roughly 20 to 30 responders. Firefighters deployed two department boats, while the Canadian Coast Guard also sent a vessel to assist in the search.
Rescue personnel used sonar equipment to trace the victims in the canal. After nearly two hours of searching, both men were located and brought to shore. The operation concluded shortly after 2 am, and the victims were immediately taken to hospital in critical condition.
Quebec coroner confirms both victims died
The Quebec Coroner’s Office confirmed on Monday that both men later died from their injuries. Authorities have not yet disclosed what led to the incident or how the two youths entered the canal.
Officials said the case remains under investigation. The coroner’s office may issue recommendations after the inquiry is completed if it identifies steps that could help prevent similar deaths in the future.
Barnala resident identified as Lovepreet Singh
One of the deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Lovepreet Singh, a resident of Tapa Mandi in Punjab’s Barnala district. He had moved to Canada around two and a half years ago on a work permit and was employed as a trailer truck driver.
Family members said Lovepreet had completed Class XII before leaving India in search of better opportunities abroad. His father, Balvir Singh, a former Central Reserve Police Force personnel, had reportedly sold two acres of agricultural land to arrange funds for his son’s move to Canada.
Lovepreet had spoken with his family by phone around a week before the tragedy. The news of his death has left relatives and residents of his hometown in mourning.
Second victim believed to be from Amritsar district
The identity of the second youth has not been formally confirmed by Canadian authorities. However, reports suggest that he may have belonged to Butala village in Punjab’s Amritsar district.
Officials have not released further details about his background or family. Confirmation from local authorities and relatives is awaited.
Families seek help to bring bodies back to Punjab
The families of the deceased have appealed to the Central government and the Punjab government for support in bringing the bodies back to India. They want the final rites to be performed in their respective villages.
Repatriation of remains from overseas often requires coordination between local authorities, Indian diplomatic officials, airlines and family members. The families are seeking timely assistance as they prepare for the last rites.
Quebec records more drowning deaths this year
The deaths are reported to be the 24th and 25th drowning cases recorded in Quebec this year. The incident has again drawn attention to water safety, especially around canals, rivers and other urban water bodies where conditions can become dangerous after dark.
According to the Drowning Prevention Research Centre Canada, around seven people die in Canada each year while attempting to save another person from drowning. Safety experts often advise people to call emergency services, use a floating object or reach from a safe distance instead of entering deep or unfamiliar water.