By Canadian Press

Bad weather and boat modifications led to capsizing off Haida Gwaii, TSB says

Sep 12, 2024 | 1:32 PM

RICHMOND, B.C. — Poor weather and modifications to a passenger boat led to its capsizing and sinking off the coast of Haida Gwaii two years ago.

A Transportation Safety Board report about the sinking of the 10-metre-long Island Bay on Sept. 10, 2022, says a combination of wind, waves and the tide caused the vessel to capsize, forcing seven people aboard to abandon ship.

One person was swept away, but was rescued, while the other passengers and crew were taken on an inflatable boat to the nearby shore where they were later saved.

The board’s report says its investigation found the vessel had been extended at the stern and on the deckhouse, with added storage, equipment and gear all raising the Island Bay’s centre of gravity.

The report says the modifications compromised the vessel’s ability to right itself when it was hit by the poor weather, initiating the capsize.

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It says the TSB has made several previous recommendations about the dangers of modifications to fishing vessels, along with the need for regulatory surveillance and stability information, which would also apply in this situation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 12, 2024.

The Canadian Press