14 people were rescued from a chartered boat on Sunday, Aug. 15. (submitted/Josh Minami)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

rescue

14 passengers rescued from boat sinking off Gabriola Island

Aug 15, 2021 | 6:08 PM

NANAIMO – A chartered trip could have ended in disaster if not for the quick response of marine rescuers.

A chartered boat with 14 people aboard started taking on water around 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15 at the north end of Gabriola Island in Pilot Bay.

Josh Minami, media liaison with RCM SAR 27, said in a release they, the Coast Guard, C-TOW Nanaimo and several vessels in the area waters all responded.

“Fortunately, nobody was injured due to the quick response by multiple agencies and vessels of opportunity,” Minami said.

A rescue boat was deployed from the BC Ferries vessel Queen of Alberni, which was making a crossing between Nanaimo and the Lower Mainland at the time.

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Several crews from Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department also attended and staged the scene on a nearby beach.

The 30 foot vessel didn’t sink in Pilot Bay thanks to a high capacity de-watering pump. It was towed and hauled out of the water.

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