Canada capsize tragedy: ‘Passengers on one side affected boat’s stability’

Most of the people on board a whale-spotting boat which capsized in Canada killing five Britons had been standing on one side of the top deck affecting the vessel’s stability, according to investigators. The head of the inquiry team said the position of the passengers and crew on the craft’s left side would have “raised the centre of gravity” as a wave struck from the right, causing it to tilt and overturn. Initial investigations into the tragedy have also revealed none of those who died had been wearing life jackets. A 27-year-old man from Sydney is still missing, according to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

There were sea conditions and a wave that broached and affected the vessel.

Marc Andre Poisson, director of marine investigations for the Transportation Safety Board

All five of the UK victims have now been named and included father-of-two David Thomas, 50, and his 18-year-old son Stephen Thomas from Swindon. Nigel Hooker, 63, from Southampton, was also killed along with Jack Slater, 76, from Salford, and 29-year-old Katie Taylor, from Lichfield in Staffordshire, who both lived in Canada. The 20-metre Leviathan II, capsized near Vancouver Island on Sunday with 24 passengers and three crew members on board, of whom 21 were rescued. Marc Andre Poisson, director of marine investigations for the Transportation Safety Board (TSB), said the position of people on board at the time would have affected the boat’s stability. Local fisherman Carl Martin, who was one of the first rescuers to arrive at the scene, told Sky News the waves seemed “bigger than normal” at the time of the disaster.

Katie was a vibrant, outgoing and lovely young woman. She will be very much missed by all of her family and many friends.

Katie Taylor’s family issued a statement asking for privacy during such a difficult time

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