One man is missing and two people were saved after a boat capsized near Nitinat Narrows on Thursday, May 19.
Lake Cowichan RCMP received reports of an overturned boat just after 8 p.m. on Thursday and officers went to the nearest boat launch and found that members of the Ditidaht First Nation community had already taken to the water to assist after being contacted by the Canadian Coast Guard.
The police officers learned that the boat was carrying three people and two survivors were located by the Coast Guard. One man remains unaccounted for, and the active search has been called off.
“The two survivors that were located by the Coast Guard were initially taken to Port Renfrew, and then transported to a larger centre for further medical treatment,” said RCMP Sgt Chris Manseau.
“The Lake Cowichan RCMP want to thank all of the volunteers and partners who immediately offered to assist, and continue to do so. Their efforts, local knowledge and ability to jump in at a moment’s notice to assist in situations like this are truly appreciated,” Manseau said.
The Lake Cowichan RCMP request anyone who may have information on this incident, or saw the boat earlier on May 19, to contact the detachment at 250-749-6668.