Police have located the sunken charter boat Big Coast at a depth of 153 metres off the coast of Richmond using an underwater drone, and confirmed that one of the four rescued passengers has died.
Boat located with underwater drone
The 2017 Kingfisher vessel, operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc., sank near Roberts Bank on June 28. On board were 10 people: the operator, an assistant, and eight passengers. Four were rescued that day; six remain unaccounted for and are presumed drowned.
In a statement Wednesday, Richmond RCMP Cpl. Frank Bryson said the boat was found with support from West Coast Marine Services. “Although investigators were able to confirm the vessel’s identity, significant depth, darkness and underwater conditions limited efforts to examine the interior,” the statement read.
Rescued passenger dies in hospital
The four survivors include a 33-year-old woman from Toronto, a 33-year-old man from Redmond, Washington, and a 26-year-old man from Richmond. A 28-year-old woman, a Chinese citizen living in Seattle, was also rescued but has since died in hospital.
Those still missing are: a 33-year-old man from Toronto; a 31-year-old woman from Redmond; a 31-year-old man, a Chinese citizen residing in Seattle; a 29-year-old woman from West Vancouver, B.C.; a 32-year-old man from West Vancouver; and the vessel operator, a 22-year-old man from Richmond. No names have been released.
Investigation continues
Police have spoken to survivors and witnesses, gathered photos and video, and collected information on the boat and company. They have also contacted past passengers of the Big Coast and others who chartered through Top Vancouver Fishing. “Investigators continue to identify and engage with additional individuals who may possess relevant information regarding previous voyages involving the vessel,” the statement said.
No bodies were found outside the vessel. Officials are evaluating specialized recovery options to raise the boat, which will require specialized equipment and technical expertise. The investigation is led by Richmond RCMP with support from Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, WorkSafeBC, and the B.C. Coroners Service.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212, file number 2026-20338.
