CFB Esquimalt Military Police and the BC Coroner's Service are investigating the death of a 16 year old disabled boy at the Canadian Forces base dock in Esquimalt last week.
The Times Colonist reports that last Thursday (June 21st) Gabriel Pollard had been out sailing with the Disabled Sailing Association of Victoria. He was being lifted off the sail boat by a winch and sling when it snapped, dropping him onto his back from a height of about 4 feet. He then slid into the water.
The teen was wearing a life jacket, but suffered from a severe form of muscular dystrophy -- and could barley use his arms or legs.
It's estimated it took up to 15 minutes to get him out of the water. He suffered a seizure on the way to hospital and couldn't be revived.
His mother says an autopsy donw in Kelowna confirmed her son's back was broken in 2 places -- and that, as well as breathing in sea water, led to his death.
The Disabled Sailing Association is mainly operated by volunteers to give those with disabilities a chance to experience sailing.