A boat sinking near the coast of Vancouver prompted a rescue operation by the Canadian Coast Guard on Tuesday, with all 12 individuals on board successfully evacuated from the vessel.
Incident Details
The vessel, a 15-metre fishing boat, began taking on water approximately 20 nautical miles west of Vancouver Island. The coast guard received a distress call at around 10:30 a.m. local time, reporting that the boat was listing and in danger of capsizing.
According to the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria, two coast guard vessels and a helicopter were dispatched to the scene. The crew of the sinking boat donned survival suits and deployed a life raft as a precaution.
Rescue Operation
By the time rescuers arrived, the boat was partially submerged. The coast guard team managed to evacuate all 12 people, including the captain and two crew members, without any injuries. The rescued individuals were taken to Port Alberni for medical assessment, though none required hospitalization.
“The quick response of the coast guard and the preparedness of the crew were crucial in ensuring everyone’s safety,” said spokesperson Marie-Pierre Bélanger. “The situation could have been much worse if not for the timely distress call and proper safety equipment.”
Cause Under Investigation
The cause of the sinking is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting a possible mechanical failure or hull breach. The boat, registered in British Columbia, was on a routine fishing trip when the incident occurred.
The coast guard has warned boaters to ensure their vessels are in good condition and to carry appropriate safety gear, especially as the summer season sees increased marine traffic. Environment Canada reported calm seas at the time, which aided the rescue effort.
