Just a few weeks after the deadly sinking of a chartered fishing vessel near Richmond, Mounties in the city are reminding boaters to make safety their top priority. Richmond RCMP say having the right safety equipment on board and knowing all the rules can help prevent emergencies. “We encourage everyone to take a few minutes before heading out to make sure they have the proper equipment, including a lifejacket for every person on board,” said Staff Sgt. Major Ross Lundie in a news release Thursday. On June 28. a boat—now identified as a 2017 Kingfisher 3025 Destination named Top Ocean—sank off Roberts Bank. Four passengers were rescued from the water and six remain missing and are presumed to have drowned. One of the passengers who was rescued later died in hospital. RCMP have said that no one was wearing a life jacket. Richmond RCMP say they conduct regular safety checks on local waterways throughout the boating season, to make sure there are enough life jackets for everyone on board, and that operators have proof of competency. They will be conducting an education and compliance initiative the morning of Aug. 1, at the McDonald Beach Boat Launch in Richmond. Officers will be discussing safe practices and ensuring boaters have the right equipment and documentation before launching. The event comes as the province marks a particularly deadly year on the water. In a notice issued earlier this week, the B.C. government reminded people to be vigilant about safety after a spike in drowning deaths in the last few months. There have been 40 accidental drownings in B.C. from May 1 to July 16, a 54 per cent increase from the 26 deaths reported during the same period last year. The province says alcohol and drugs were factors in 40 per cent of drowning deaths between 2015 and 2025. “Operators should also remember that alcohol and drugs can impair judgment, reaction time, and decision-making on the water, just as they do on the road,” Lundie said. “Boating is a great way to enjoy the summer, but safety needs to come first.” With files from The Canadian Press and CTV News Vancouver’s Kaija Jussinoja.
