A tragic maritime incident off the coast of British Columbia has claimed the life of a 28-year-old woman who was rescued from the waters near Richmond on June 28. The victim, a Chinese citizen living in Seattle, Washington, passed away in hospital after the KingFisher vessel operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc. suddenly sank near Roberts Bank.
Richmond RCMP confirmed on Wednesday that six people remain missing and are presumed drowned following the devastating incident. The vessel was carrying ten individuals at the time of the sinking, including eight passengers, the boat operator, and an assistant. Three survivors have been released from hospital: a 33-year-old woman from Toronto, a 33-year-old man from Redmond, Washington, and a 26-year-old man from Richmond.
Among those still missing are a 33-year-old Toronto man, a 31-year-old woman from Redmond, a 31-year-old Chinese citizen residing in Seattle, a 29-year-old woman and 32-year-old man both from West Vancouver, and the 22-year-old vessel operator from Richmond. Authorities have stated that the names of those involved will not be released at the request of their families.
On July 6, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team and West Coast Marine Services located the sunken vessel approximately 153 meters below the surface using a remotely operated vehicle. However, dark conditions and the depth of the water have significantly limited efforts to examine the vessel’s interior. Searches of the surrounding seabed have not located any occupants outside the boat.
Investigators continue working alongside partner agencies to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragedy. Anyone with information about the incident, including those who may have traveled on previous voyages with Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc., is encouraged to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212, referencing file 2026-20338.
