Clam fishing incident near Savary Island claims three lives

May 22, 2026 - Powell River / Texada Island, British Columbia
From: Powell River and Texada Island RCMP

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On May 21, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Powell River RCMP received a report from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) that a boat had capsized approximately 500 to 1000 metres off the shore of Savary Island. It was reported that two men had made it to shore, while three others remained missing. 

Earlier that evening, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the JRCC had been alerted when the personal vessel failed to return to Lund Harbour as expected. In response, search and rescue resources were immediately deployed, including a Powell River Coast Guard lifeboat, an inshore fast rescue craft from Cortez Bay and an Airforce Kingfisher aircraft from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron based in Comox.  

Powell River RCMP, in coordination with Savary Island Fire, conducted shoreline searches, and tragically, the three missing men were located deceased.

The two survivors were transported back to Powell River where they were assessed and transported to hospital by Emergency Health Services (EHS). 

The Powell River RCMP is assisting the BC Coroners Service with the ongoing investigation into the incident.

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