Two people have been rescued and a man is still missing after a fishing boat capsized on Thursday night in a remote area of Vancouver Island.
An overturned 8-meter sport-fishing boat overturned at the mouth of the Nitinat Tarrows at around 8:45 p.m.
Mountains and members of the First Dithidat Nation had already arrived at the boat ramp, where civilian ships were launched in an attempt to respond to the emergency, according to the RCMP.
A speedboat from Bamfield, British Columbia, took one survivor while another was spotted by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from Port Angeles, Wash.
The second victim was recovered from the Canadians and the two survivors were taken to paramedics in Port Renfrew, British Columbia, approximately 35 kilometers away.
An RCMP helicopter was still searching for the missing man on Friday as Parks Canada rescuers searched the ground around the gorge.
“The Lake Cowichan RCMP would like to thank all the volunteers and partners who immediately offered to help and continue to do so,” said an RCMP sergeant. Chris Manso in a statement on Friday.
“Their efforts, local knowledge and ability to get involved in a moment to help in situations like this are really appreciated,” added Manso.
Nitinat Tarrows is a tidal channel between Lake Nitinat and the Pacific Ocean, where currents are often strong and unpredictable. The area is part of the West Coast Trail section of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Parks Canada says the marine forecast for the region on Thursday predicts two to three meters of waves and winds ranging from 20 to 30 knots.
Police are asking anyone who may have seen the boat before it capsized on Thursday to contact investigators at 250-749-6668.
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