Quebec Man Dies While Diving Near Shipwreck in Upstate New York

A 49-year-old man from Quebec has died after becoming ill while scuba diving near a shipwreck in the St. Lawrence River, according to New York State Police.

The incident occurred near Rock Island Lighthouse in Jefferson County, New York—an area east of the Thousand Islands region and roughly 250 kilometres southwest of Montreal. The site is popular among experienced divers due to its historic shipwrecks and challenging underwater conditions.

Police say they received a distress call just before noon on Sunday from a dive charter boat operating in the area. Fellow divers brought the man to the surface after he became unresponsive at a depth of approximately 18 metres.

CPR was immediately administered onboard the vessel while emergency crews were notified. The diver was then transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities identified the victim as François Lacourse of Quebec.

An autopsy was scheduled following the incident. Police stated that the death appears to be related to a natural medical condition rather than equipment malfunction or environmental hazards.

The dive instructor leading the group, Anouar Bennaid of Quebec, was also taken to hospital for observation after experiencing symptoms of decompression illness. Officials confirmed he is expected to make a full recovery.

More details about the incident were reported by the Montreal Gazette, which covered the response by New York State Police and the circumstances surrounding the dive emergency. You can read the full original report here:
👉 Quebec man, 49, dies while diving near shipwreck in upstate New York

Importance of CPR and Emergency Preparedness

Medical emergencies can happen suddenly, especially during physically demanding or high-risk activities such as scuba diving. In remote locations or on the water, immediate action—including CPR—can be critical while waiting for professional medical assistance.

Learning CPR and AED use helps individuals respond quickly and confidently during life-threatening situations. Those interested in building these essential skills can explore CPR and AED training courses through Winnipeg First Aid, which focus on real-world emergency response.

Learn More About CPR

For additional information on CPR techniques and emergency response, visit these trusted resources:

About The Author

Mark Kascha

Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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