27 people were present on the "Leviathan II" when it capsized on Sunday near Tofino, which is a popular tourist area on Vancouver Island. 21 people were rescued but five British citizens have been confirmed dead, whilst one individual is still missing.
An investigation has already been opened by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Transport Canada is providing support and deployed a National Aerial Surveillance Programme aircraft on 26th October to assist in the search for survivors.
The relevant law applicable is the Canada Shipping Act 2001 and investigators will be very carefully analysing whether the vessel was in compliance and if not, if those breaches were causative of this terrible tragedy.
Transport Canada is the key regulatory body in Canada for commercial boats which includes whale watching vessels. A statement was issued in which Transport Canada stated, " We will continue to work with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada to do all we can to maintain and enhance the safety of Canada's Marine sector."
The relevant law applicable is the Canada Shipping Act 2001 and investigators will be very carefully analysing whether the vessel was in compliance and if not, if those breaches were causative of this terrible tragedy.
Transport Canada is the key regulatory body in Canada for commercial boats which includes whale watching vessels. A statement was issued in which Transport Canada stated, " We will continue to work with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada to do all we can to maintain and enhance the safety of Canada's Marine sector."