Based on coverage from Global News, The Globe and Mail, and CP24.
A woman rescued after a charter fishing boat sank off Richmond, B.C., has died in hospital, pushing the death toll to seven with six others still missing and presumed drowned.
Richmond RCMP say the vessel went down suddenly near Roberts Bank on June 28 with 10 people aboard. Four people were pulled from the water about an hour later. Three survivors have since been released from hospital, while one passenger later succumbed to her injuries.
Richmond, B.C. charter boat sinking details
RCMP have identified the sunken boat as a KingFisher 3025 Destination (a 2017 model) named Big Coast, operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc. Earlier police statements also referred to the vessel as the KingFisher. Another report describes it as the company’s nine-metre vessel, while a separate account calls the detained sister vessel 11 metres long and the one that sank nine metres.
Police say there were eight guests on board, along with the vessel operator and another person assisting the operator.
RCMP also say none of the 10 people were wearing life-jackets when the boat sank.
Victims and survivors identified by RCMP
RCMP say the deceased is a 28-year-old woman, a Chinese citizen living in Seattle, Washington. Police will not release names, citing the families’ requests.
Three survivors who have been released from hospital are: - A 33-year-old woman from Toronto, Ontario - A 33-year-old man from Redmond, Washington - A 26-year-old man from Richmond, British Columbia
Six people remain missing and are presumed drowned: - A 33-year-old man from Toronto, Ontario - A 31-year-old woman from Redmond, Washington - A 31-year-old man, a Chinese citizen living in Seattle, Washington - A 29-year-old woman from West Vancouver, British Columbia - A 32-year-old man from West Vancouver, British Columbia - A 22-year-old man from Richmond, British Columbia, who was the vessel operator
One report identifies the missing captain as 22-year-old Chen Ming.
Underwater search locates vessel at 153 metres
Richmond RCMP say their Underwater Recovery Team, working with West Coast Marine Services, located the wreck on July 6 about 153 metres below the surface using a remotely operated vehicle.
Searches of the surrounding seabed did not locate anyone outside the vessel, RCMP say. Police add that dark conditions and the underwater environment have limited how much investigators can examine inside the boat so far.
Cpl. Frank Bryson, Richmond RCMP’s media relations officer, said investigators are working with partner agencies “to determine exactly what occurred and to identify all relevant factors that contributed to this tragedy.”
Transport Canada detains sister boat over safety issues
Transport Canada has now ordered the detention of another boat operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter. The detention order, dated Thursday, was posted on the window of the company’s 11-metre vessel.
According to the order, the boat was detained due to violations or safety deficiencies, including allegations it was a pleasure craft being operated as a commercial passenger vessel, and that it was not properly registered or marked. The order lists the vessel’s owner as Lihe Yin.
Questions around vessel condition and licensing
RCMP say investigators are examining whether the operation of the vessel played a role in the sinking, and they are still looking for more information from people familiar with prior trips.
The missing captain’s mother, Ashley Lin, and his girlfriend, Hailey Lee, have said he complained about a broken side door on the boat. Lee said she was on board two days before the sinking when the door sprang open and flooded the vessel. Lin has also said she did not know whether her son was properly licensed to operate as a charter boat captain.
RCMP are asking anyone with information, including people who may have taken previous trips involving the vessel Big Coast or Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc., to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file 2026-20338.
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