Fatal workplace incident at Crofton Mill
Posted June 4, 2025 7:19 pm.
Last Updated June 5, 2025 1:39 pm.
A 30-year-old man has died after a workplace incident on June 4 at the Catalyst Pulp and Paper Mill in Crofton.
At approximately 12 p.m., RCMP in North Cowichan/Duncan responded to reports that a piece of heavy equipment had fallen into the ocean with its operator inside.
Emergency crews, including police, fire, ambulance, and Canadian Coast Guard divers, quickly arrived at the scene.
Police say despite extensive rescue attempts, the operator could not be revived.
B.C.’s Minister of Labour, Jennifer Whiteside, says that the death of a worker at the Catalyst Pulp and Paper Mill in Crofton is “deeply distressing and concerning.”
“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones who have suffered a shocking and painful loss,” she said in a statement.
“When workers go to work, they should always come home safe at the end of their shift.”
Both WorkSafeBC and the BC Coroners Service have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding this incident.
The RCMP and other agencies are also continuing to investigate.
