West Coast whale boat tragedy scars survivors, families and rescuers
VICTORIA — Entire communities have been honoured, individuals cited for heroism and boats blessed, but one year after the sinking of a whale-watching vessel off British Columbia that tossed 27 people into the churning Pacific, the wounds have barely started to heal.
Five Britons and one Australian died on Oct. 25, 2015, when the 20-metre Leviathan II capsized in waters near Tofino, about 320 kilometres northwest of Victoria.
The cause of the tragedy remains under investigation. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is expected to release its report next year.
In the days immediately following the sinking, TSB investigators said most passengers and crew were on the top deck of the vessel’s port side, when a wave hit the starboard side. The vessel tilted up, rolled and capsized, said the TSB.