Canadian whale-watching boat 'capsized after passengers crowded on one side of the deck'

David Thomas, 50, and son Stephen, 17, were among the victims of the disaster
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Rashid Razaq28 October 2015

Canadian investigators suspect a whale-watching boat that capsized killing five Britons may have sunk because passengers were crowded on one side when a wave struck.

A physical examination of the vessel, which overturned near Vancouver Island is due to begin today, investigators for the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada said.

David Thomas, 50, and his 18-year-old son Stephen, from Swindon, Wiltshire, were among those who died when the Leviathan II capsized.

Nigel Hooker, 63, from Southampton, was also killed along with ex-pats Jack Slater, 76, who lived in Toronto, and Katie Taylor, 29, who lived in the ski resort of Whistler.

It has also emerged that none of those who died was wearing a life jacket although plenty were available.

Matt Brown, regional coroner for the Island Region of the British Columbia Coroners Service said current regulations do not require passengers to wear life jackets in that area or on that particular type of boat.

Marc Andre Poisson, director of marine investigations for the TSB told a news conference the position of most people on one side would have “raised the centre of gravity”, and affected the boat’s stability.

“We know that most passengers were on the top deck on the port side, that’s the left side of the vessel,” he said.

“This would have raised the centre of gravity, affecting the vessel’s stability.

“We also know that the sea conditions were such that a wave approached from the starboard quarter, that’s the right of the vessel. We know that the vessel broached and then capsized,” said Mr Poisson.

The TSB has interviewed the three crew members and some of the survivors about what happened.

At least two hand flares and one parachute rocket were fired to raise the alarm, and one life raft was used, investigators confirmed.

The TSB said its investigators will try to recover any electronics from the boat to help determine its location when it capsized, and will look at the vessel’s maintenance and inspection records.

A 27-year-old man from Sydney remains missing.

Mr Brown said the incident happened “very quickly” and the “chaotic environment” created “a very challenging rescue operation for many involved”.

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