Six people remain missing, presumed drowned after vessel sinks

June 29, 2026 - Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP

Content

File 2026-20338

Six people who were aboard a commercial charter vessel that sank yesterday near Richmond remain missing.

Despite extensive multi-agency search efforts conducted yesterday, four men and two women remain unaccounted for and are presumed drowned. The search has been suspended, and efforts have now shifted to recovery.

The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) has been engaged and will attend the area in the coming days to locate the capsized vessel using sonar. Their assessment of the conditions will determine whether a dive operation is feasible, or whether alternate resources, such as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV, aka underwater drone), may be required.

The vessel is believed to have sunk in very deep waters.

The investigation remains ongoing to determine the cause of the sinking and to confirm the identities of the six missing individuals. Efforts are also underway to notify their respective next of kin.

A 26-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman have since been discharged from hospital. A 33-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman both remain in critical condition.

Police are working closely with Transport Canada, the Transportation Safety Board and other partner agencies to support the investigation and coordinate next steps.

No further details are available at this time.

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