Overview
- The charter fishing boat Big Coast sank near Roberts Bank on Sunday, June 28, with 10 people aboard; four were pulled from the water that day and six remain missing and presumed drowned.
- One of the four rescued — a 28-year-old Chinese citizen living in Seattle — died in hospital, three survivors have been released from care, and families have asked for privacy.
- RCMP underwater teams using a remotely operated vehicle found the sunken 2017 Kingfisher 3025 called Big Coast about 153–154 metres below the surface and saw no occupants on the surrounding seabed.
- Investigators from Richmond RCMP are working with Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board, WorkSafeBC and the B.C. Coroners Service and say any recovery will need highly specialized marine equipment and expertise.
- Authorities continue to examine whether how the vessel was operated contributed to the sinking and are asking anyone with information, including past passengers or crew of Top Vancouver Fishing Charter, to contact investigators.