A whale watching boat carrying 27 passengers capsized Sunday near Tofino, leaving at least four people dead.
Initially, three deaths were confirmed by B.C. Ambulance Service, reports CBC Vancouver. CBC BC has since reported a confirmed four fatalities.
The boat is part of the fleet of a company called Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centres, notes CTV Vancouver.
The boat issued a mayday call at around 4 p.m. Media reports include witnesses attesting to the large volume of response personnel as well as other local vessels and crews aiding in the rescue operation.
Rami Touffaha of Burnaby Tours & Charters tweeted from the scene:
@tofinonews @GlobalBC #Tofino is dealing w/ a tragic boating accident. Details still scarce. #vancouverisland #news pic.twitter.com/WTirUMr9RT
— Burnaby Tours (@BurnabyTours) October 26, 2015
At about 7:30 p.m. an estimated 15 people were thought to still be in the water:
At last word, 15 people still in the water. Thoughts with rescuers, scouring the water now that night has fallen…
— Adam Stirling (@Adam_Stirling) October 26, 2015
Tofino mayor Josie Osborne shared the following via social media:
#Tofino‘s thoughts & prayers are with passengers, crew, emergency responders & their families. Thank you all for your messages of support.
— Josie Osborne (@Josie_Osborne) October 26, 2015
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