Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Richmond RCMP say a boater who was rescued in the June 28 charter boat sinking off B.C.’s coast, near Roberts Bank, has died.
The three other people who were rescued have been released from hospital, while six remain missing, according to police.
In a news release Wednesday morning, police shared details about the 10 people on board the commercial charter vessel, saying they came from B.C., Ontario and Washington state.
Everyone involved, including “eight charter guests, the vessel operator, and one individual assisting the operator” were in their 20s or 30s, according to police.
RCMP said it was a 28-year-old Chinese woman living in Seattle, Wash., who died of her injuries in hospital after being rescued from the water after the sinking.
The three survivors include a 33-year-old woman from Toronto, a 26-year-old man from Richmond and a 33-year-old man from Redmond, Wash.
The missing individuals, who investigators have previously said are presumed drowned, include a:
- 33-year-old man from Toronto.
- 31-year-old woman from Redmond, Wash.
- 31-year-old man, a Chinese citizen residing in Seattle, Wash.
- 29-year-old woman from West Vancouver.
- 32-year-old man from West Vancouver.
- 22-year-old man from Richmond, who was the vessel operator.
Police said the vessel involved was operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc.
RCMP said the families have asked police not to release the names of those involved.
“They are asking for privacy to deal with this event,” police said in their release.
Boat identified, recovery options under evaluation
Police said they have found the sunken vessel, a 2017 Kingfisher 3025 Destination called Big Coast, about 153 metres below the surface using a remotely operated vehicle.
But investigators are limited in their ability to examine the interior of the boat, according to RCMP, due to the depth, darkness and underwater conditions.
“Searches of the surrounding seabed did not locate any occupants outside the vessel,” police said in their release.
Investigators are now evaluating “specialized recovery options” as they say the operation will require highly specialized marine equipment and technical expertise.
Police say the investigation remains active and they are working with Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), WorkSafeBC and the B.C. Coroners Service.
Anyone with information about the incident, including people who may have sailed on the boat Big Coast or with Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc. and have not yet spoken to investigators, is asked to contact Richmond RCMP.
