Police have located a vessel that sank near Richmond and said a woman who was rescued from the water later died in hospital.
The vessel has been identified as the Top Ocean, previously the Big Coast, a 2017 KingFisher 3025 Destination operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc.
Ten people were on board when it sank June 28. Six are presumed dead and have not been recovered, while four people were rescued from the water. Three have since been discharged from hospital.
Police said the victims’ families have been notified and their names will not be released.
“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 Cpl. Frank Bryson, media relations officer. “Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of those affected by this incident.”
The boat was found about 153 metres below the surface using a remotely operated vehicle.
Police said underwater conditions limited the search crew’s ability to examine the vessel’s interior. They said none of the occupants were found outside the vessel.
“Police and partner agencies are currently evaluating specialized recovery options, recognizing that the recovery of the vessel will require highly specialized marine equipment and technical expertise,” an RCMP news release said.
The Richmond RCMP’s serious crime unit continues to lead the investigation and is working with Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, WorkSafeBC and the BC Coroners Service.
Police are asking anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the Richmond RCMP, including people who travelled on previous voyages involving the Big Coast or Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc.
