Diver Drowns In Crane Lake While Trying To Recover Sunken Machinery

CRANE LAKE, Minn. – A scuba diver from Embarrass drowned Sunday while trying to recover a piece of sunken machinery on Crane Lake, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office.

The 50-year-old, William Rebarich was in 70 feet of water when he failed to resurface during the attempt to recover the sunken equipment.

Crane Lake is just outside Voyageurs National Park near the Canadian border.

Area first responder began rescue efforts to find Rebarich.  Once located, the victim was taken to shore where he was pronounced dead.

The incident and cause of death is under investigation by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Voyageurs National Park Service Rangers, Orr Ambulance, Orr Fire Department, Crane Lake Fire Department, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, DNR, and North Memorial air medical.