The BC Coroners Service has identified the body of a scuba diver that was recovered from Burrard Inlet in October.

Coroner Stephen Fonseca, manager of the BC Coroners Service Identification and Disaster Response Unit, said the remains have been positively confirmed as being those of Peter Devoe - a scuba diver who went missing during a dive on March 13, 1985.

On that date, Mr. Devoe, then 29 years of age, was diving with a relative at Cates Park in North Vancouver when he experienced problems with his equipment and failed to resurface. Emergency personnel were notified shortly after the incident, and an extensive search was initiated, but he was not found.

On Oct. 23, 2011, two commercial fishermen pulling up their gear in Burrard Inlet just west of Cates Park, between Deep Cove and the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, found human remains in scuba diving gear entangled in their nets.

The BC Coroners Service, assisted by North Vancouver RCMP and the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team, took on the job of identifying the remains. Following up on tips received, they were able to confirm the identification.

Although a specific medical cause of death could not be determined, foul play has been ruled out in the death.

Mr. Devoe's family have been informed of the identification and would appreciate their privacy being respected during this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Stephen Fonseca
Manager, Identification and Disaster Response Unit
BC Coroners Service
604 660-7753