Scuba diver, 50, drowns in Crane Lake while retrieving sunken machinery

A man from Embarrass has died while scuba diving to recover sunken machinery on Crane Lake in northern Minnesota, the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office has confirmed.

Police were called outside the Voyageurs National Park boundaries around noon Sunday after the 50-year-old man did not resurface.

The victim was trained as a scuba diver but was not affiliated with any recovery company, the sheriff's office said. He was among a number of recovery operation volunteers on a barge who was assisting an operation to recover machinery from 70 feet of water.

Bystanders attempted a rescue on their own as they awaited first responders but were unsuccessful. When responders arrived at the scene, they were able to bring the victim to shore and attempt life-saving efforts.

However, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released at this time.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events and may be subject to change.