Six presumed dead after charter boat sinks off Richmond
Four rescued from vessel near Roberts Bank; search suspended, recovery efforts underway with underwater team.
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Six people are presumed dead after a charter boat sank near Roberts Bank off Richmond on Sunday, June 28. Four people were rescued from the vessel, but the remaining six — four men and two women — remain unaccounted for, Richmond RCMP said Monday afternoon.
Of the four rescued, a 26-year-old man and 33-year-old woman have been discharged from hospital. A 33-year-old man and 28-year-old woman remain in critical condition.
The search was suspended and efforts have shifted to recovery. The RCMP's underwater recovery team will use sonar to locate the capsized vessel in coming days. Depending on conditions, the team will determine whether a dive operation is feasible or if a remotely operated vehicle will be needed. The boat is believed to have sunk in very deep waters.
A marine search-and-rescue operation launched by Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria on Sunday involved RCMP, the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, and BC Ferries. The search was called off at 9:45 p.m. Sunday.
The investigation into the cause of the sinking is ongoing. Police are working with Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board, and other partner agencies. Work to notify next of kin is underway.
