Five killed as whale watching boat with 27 on board capsizes

At least five people have died after a whale watching vessel carrying 27 people sank off Vancouver Island, according to reports. Authorities say the vessel issued a distress call about 4pm local time on Sunday near Tofino, British Columbia. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria said at least four people have died. The spokeswoman added that the search operation is continuing with military planes and rescue vessels operating in the area.

It’s dark here now and obviously the priority is getting the people off the water safely.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre

Five ambulances were dispatched to assist the rescue and off-duty paramedics also helped in the operation, said Jenn Hamilton, a spokeswoman for the British Columbia Emergency Health Services. The vessel, named the Leviathan II, was operated by Jamie’s Whaling Station and Adventure Centres. A staff member said: “All our attention now is on our passengers and crew so we’ll be providing information as soon as the time is appropriate." The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) says it will send a team to investigate the incident.

Thoughts & prayers are with passengers, crew, emergency responders & their families.

Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne

World Whale Watching