Charter boat sinks off Vancouver coast, six feared dead

Search teams recovered four people after a fishing charter sank in the Strait of Georgia on Sunday. Two survivors remain in critical condition while police investigate the cause. The vessel left the community of Steveston around midday carrying an estimated 10 people. It took on water and sank without issuing a mayday call.

Rescue response A passing yacht crew spotted people in the water and issued a mayday call. The couple pulled three passengers aboard and search teams retrieved a fourth. Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue joined the effort. An air force plane searched the area for seven hours.

Investigation The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said its underwater team will search for the vessel. The major crimes unit is leading the inquiry to determine whether a collision or criminal activity occurred. Officials noted that none of the passengers wore lifejackets.

Water temperatures and currents limited survival time. Stephen Adam, an operations manager with Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, said the incident was “bizarre” because the boat sank quickly and issued no distress call.