The search is continuing for a fishing charter boat that capsized off the coast of Richmond four days ago.
Richmond RCMP say the search efforts are continuing Thursday (July 2) with the RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team and West Coast Marine Services to locate the vessel that sank near Roberts Bank on June 28.
Police say crews are using SONAR technology to search underwater
However, conditions in the water have been “challenging, making the search slower and more difficult.”
A slack tide is expected at 1:30 p.m., which Richmond RCMP say may provide a better window for teams to continue searching.
“This is not a quick process. Even if the vessel is found today, it could take additional days to safely investigate, document, and potentially recover it,” Cpl. Frank Bryson said. “We know many people are awaiting updates and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as the search continues.”
The investigation is ongoing, with the Richmond RCMP’s serious crimes unit taking over. It will look at the cause of the investigation as well as to confirm the identities of the six missing people who have since been presumed dead.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has also deployed a team for an investigation.
Ten people were on board the charter boat the morning of June 28 when it began taking on water.
Four people were rescued, but the remaining six were reported missing.
A marine search-and-rescue operation was launched by Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria. The search involved RCMP, the Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue and BC Ferries.
The search continued for the six, but was called off at 9:45 p.m. on Sunday.
It’s believed the boat sank in very deep waters, police have said.