On Saturday October 18, 2014 at 2:48 am, Campbell River RCMP were advised by Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) that a small vessel was taking on water approximately 5 km north of Campbell River. Three males were on board.
Campbell River RCMP, RCMP PV Higgit, the Cormorant Helicopter from CFB Comox, and three coast guard vessels responded.
An Alaskan ferry in the area answered the mayday and deployed a zodiac into the water that recovered one male who had escaped as the vessel capsized. The two other males were not located.
The vessel, described as a 67 foot steel landing craft, privately owned, was on its way to Campbell River when it started taking on water. When it capsized, it was approximately ½ mile due north from the docks at the old mill in 72 foot deep water
Campbell River RCMP were tasked to the shoreline to provide lights to help guide the two missing men if they were attempting to swim to shore.
A comprehensive search by sea, air and land, with the assistance of Campbell River Ground Search and Rescue has failed to turn up any signs of the two missing men.
Transport Canada has been advised and the Campbell River RCMP has control of the investigation as a missing persons case.
– Contributed by Campbell River RCMP.
