Meares Island, close to where the boat sank. (Wikipedia)
Multiple people are feared dead after a whale watching boat capsized in British Columbia. The incident occurred on the afternoon of October 25 when a group of 27 people embarked on an excursion near Plover Point, on Meares Island, in Tofino. It’s located about 200 miles west of Vancouver.
This is a breaking story so stay tuned for updates.
Here’s what we know so far:
1. Some People Have Survived
Global News reports that there are survivors on board the ship. The mayday call from the boat came in at 4 p.m. local time.
2. So Far 3 People Have Died
Water taxi, fish boats, zodiacs all helping with the rescue in #tofino
The sunken vessel belonged to Jamie’s whale watching company. So far the local coroner says that more than one person has been killed. CKNW later reported that three people were dead, four were en route to local hospitals and five others were being treated for injuries.
CBC reporter Betsy Trumpener said that witnesses saw victims being ferried to shore aboard inflatable boats with emergency service personnel performing resuscitation on those affected.
3. The Entire Town of Tofino Is Helping With the Rescue
(Google Maps)
The entire town of Tofino is helping with the search and rescue operation, reports CTV. The population of Tofino is less than 2,000. Jill Bennett, of Global News, reports that five people are unaccounted for as of 6:15 p.m. Local fisherman are aiding in the search for those persons.
4. The Company Was Just About to Shut Down for the Winter
A photo posted on Jamie’s Facebook page from July 27. (Facebook)
According to Jamie’s Whaling Station and Adventure Centers’ website, the company offers whale watching tours in large cruisers and rigid inflatable boats. That site adds that the business was due to shut down for the winter on October 31, six days after the accident. It reads on the website “We recommend several layers of warm clothing as well as a waterproof layer.” The company was established in 1982.
5. The Victims Are Most Likely ‘Foreigners’
One person writing on Twitter, who said he had been whale watching in Tofino just before the tragedy, said “chances are the victims would be mostly foreigners.”