Man dies after vessel capsizes off Tower Beach

A multi-agency investigation is underway after a vessel capsized off Tower Beach on Monday afternoon that resulted in the death of a 61-year-old man.

On October 23, 2023 at 2:44 p.m., the University RCMP received a report of a body washing ashore on Tower Beach. Earlier, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) received a mayday distress call from a tugboat operator which resulted in a marine search operation in the vicinity of the beach. The vessel had apparently capsized and the body was pulled ashore by a bystander.

University RCMP, Vancouver Fire Department, Canadian Coast Guard, and BC Emergency Health Services immediately assisted in rescue efforts and life-saving first aid was provided. Despite the best efforts and prompt care of first responders, the man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation is ongoing but all indications are that the man was operating the vessel alone and no one else was injured. While the cause of the accident is not yet known, contributing factors may include exceptionally strong winds, and turbulent waters.

Tragically, despite an excellent coordinated effort by multiple responding agencies, the lone operator could not be revived, said Staff Sergeant Kris Clark, Senior Media Relations Officer for the BC RCMP. Our hearts go out to the man’s family and friends in this difficult time.

Police continue to support the concurrent and parallel investigations of the BC Coroner’s Service, Transportation Safety Board of Canada and WorkSafeBC.

No further information will be released at this time.