What we know about the six people presumed drowned after charter boat sinks near Richmond
Just under two weeks after a tragic boat incident near Richmond that has left six people missing, three people injured, and one woman dead, more details are beginning to come to light.
Ten people were aboard a charter boat off the coast of Richmond when it began to take on water at around 11:45 a.m on Sunday, June 28.
After learning that some of the occupants were missing, a rescue operation was launched by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria, but was called off later that evening. In a subsequent update, we learned that the six missing people were presumed drowned.
Today, Richmond RCMP has shared details about the six people who were missing after the charter boat sank, who were between the ages of 22 and 33. The RCMP has also vaguely identified the three victims who survived, and the woman who lost her life.
The missing:
- 33-year-old man from Toronto
- 31-year-old woman from Redmond
- 31-year-old Chinese citizen who lived in Seattle
- 29-year-old woman from West Vancouver
- 32-year-old man from West Vancouver
- 22-year-old man from Richmond, who was also the vessel operator
A 28-year-old woman was initially rescued but later succumbed to her injuries. She was a Chinese citizen who lived in Seattle.
The three survivors, who have all been released from the hospital, include a 33-year-old Toronto woman, a 33-year-old man from Redmond, and a 26-year-old man from Richmond.
The RCMP has not named any of the people involved out of respect for the families who have asked for privacy while dealing with this tragic event.
RCMP identified the missing vessel as the Big Coast, which was a 2017 Kingfisher 3025 Destination. It was operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter.
A listing for the vessel on the Top Vancouver Fishing Charter website says the boat offers a “smooth and stable ride even in rough seas.”
Top Vancouver Fishing Charter
On July 6, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team located the vessel with help from West Coast Marine Services. RCMP says the vessel was found 154 metres below the surface.
Richmond RCMP says the investigation is ongoing.
“Investigators continue to work diligently alongside our partner agencies to determine exactly what occurred and to identify all relevant factors that contributed to this tragedy,” said Corporal Frank Bryson, media relations officer, in a statement.
“Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of those affected by this incident.”