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Powell River RCMP say three men are dead after a boat capsized about 500 to 1,000 metres off the shore of Savary Island Thursday night.
Two men survived, according to an RCMP news release issued Friday. All five were from Tla’amin Nation.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), which leads search-and-rescue missions in the region, told CBC News that it was alerted at around 10 p.m. PT Thursday of a vessel that had failed to return to Lund, B.C., amid heavy winds.
The JRCC said five people were aboard the six-metre Fiberglas vessel, and they had been clam digging on the north side of Savary Island.
Rescue operations deployed a Coast Guard lifeboat from Powell River, along with an inshore fast rescue craft from Cortes Bay and an Airforce Kingfisher helicopter from Comox, the JRCC said.
“At approximately 10:45 p.m., two individuals made their way ashore and contacted authorities; three remained with the vessel,” a JRCC spokesperson told CBC News. “The three were later located deceased near the shoreline by responders.”
Tla’amin Nation Hegus (Chief) John Hackett called it a profound tragedy for the community.
“Our hearts are with the families in mourning,” Hackett said in a statement.
He said the nation is grateful for the efforts of first responders and the outpouring of support from the public.
“We ask that peace and privacy be given to the families as they grieve and begin to help their loved one’s journey to the other side.”
He said the nation has opened its cultural centre to support the community.
The two survivors were taken to hospital, according to RCMP.
RCMP are assisting the B.C. Coroners Service in an investigation.
Savary Island, in the Salish Sea, is about 140 kilometres northwest of Vancouver as the crow flies.
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