Richmond, BC charter boat capsizes, six presumed dead

On June 28 2026 a commercial charter/fishing vessel capsized in the Strait of Georgia near Roberts Bank, off Richmond, British Columbia. Ten people were aboard; four were rescued and taken to Sea Island Coast Guard Station, while six men and women remain missing and are presumed drowned.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria launched a massive search involving the RCMP, Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Coast Guard, BC Ferries and marine‑search‑and‑rescue volunteers. Aircraft, helicopters, a hovercraft and lifeboats were deployed. The search was suspended at 9:45 p.m. after surface possibilities were exhausted, and the effort shifted to recovery. The RCMP’s underwater recovery team will use sonar and may deploy a remotely operated vehicle to locate the sunken vessel in deep water.

Two of the survivors are in critical condition, while two others have been discharged from hospital. The cause of the sinking is unknown and remains under investigation. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed condolences on social media.