The Richmond RCMP says the commercial fishing vessel that sank near Roberts Bank on June 28 has been located, and it is now sharing details about the charter company that operated it and the passengers who were aboard at the time of its sinking.
As well, it says one of the people rescued has since died in hospital.
Police say the vessel involved has been identified as the Big Coast, which is operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc. The boat itself was a 2017 Kingfisher 3025 Destination. According to a news release, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team located the sunken boat using a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) on Monday. It was around 153 metres below the surface.
The information they were able to determine was limited.
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“Although investigators were able to confirm the vessel’s identity, significant depth, darkness, and underwater conditions limited efforts to examine the interior,” police said in a news release Wednesday.
“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.”
No occupants were located outside the vessel on the surrounding seabed, police say.
The RCMP says it is sharing information about the passengers now that all next-of-kin notifications have been completed for all of the victims and missing persons.
Mounties confirm ten people were aboard the boat at the time of the incident — eight charter guests, the operator, and an assistant to the operator.
Four people were rescued, police say. One of those four later died in hospital. Six remain missing.
The four people rescued from the water were:
The six people who remain missing are:
The vessel operator had been previously identified as Chen Ming at a vigil held Sunday evening, one week after the vessel capsized.
Police say the families have asked that the names of those involved 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.
“Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of those affected by this incident.”
The RCMP says it is working with Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, WorkSafeBC, and the BC Coroners’ Service in the investigation.
“Anyone with information regarding this incident, including individuals who may have travelled on previous voyages involving the vessel Big Coast or Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc. and who have not yet spoken with investigators, is asked to contact the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file 2026-20338,” police said.