TOFINO, British Columbia, Oct. 26 (UPI) — At least five people died after a tour boat sank off the coast of Vancouver Island, authorities said.
The whale-watching boat, named Leviathan II, had 27 people aboard when it sent out a mayday call shortly after 4 p.m. Sunday, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre said.
The boat was found capsized with the bow sticking out of the water. Two empty lifeboats were floating nearby.
At least four people were pulled from the water with no vital signs, the rescue center said.
“There was lots of personal belongings floating around, purses, backpacks, cameras, that sort of thing. Pretty grim,” said fishing guide and search team member Lance Desilets.
Desilets said the area where the boat went down is very dangerous, filled with shallow reefs and rocks.
Two Canadian Coast Guard vessels were sent to the area and a military helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft have been requested to join other craft in the search.
Eight people were admitted to Tofino General Hospital, spokeswoman Valerie Wilson said. Seven were stable and one in serious but improving condition. Three other patients were taken to hospitals out of the area for treatment. Their conditions are not known. Five people remain missing.
Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne said “all hands are on deck” with locals helping in either search and rescue or treatment of the passengers.
An investigation has been launched to determine what caused the boat to sink.
