Three dead after boat capsizes on Squamish River amid stormy conditions

Three people died after a boat capsized on the Squamish River on Thursday, officials said. Police confirmed that all individuals involved have now been accounted for, with the third victim discovered later on Friday.

Squamish RCMP responded to the incident at 1:52 p.m. PT on Thursday. Corporal Ashley MacKay described the conditions as "extremely difficult and unsafe for emergency responders" because of elevated water levels and challenging weather. She added that the weather and river conditions significantly affected response efforts and that the situation remained dynamic, with safety of responders and the public a priority.

The road leading to the remote area, Squamish Valley Road, was closed at the Pilchuck Bailey Bridge due to flooding. Police urged the public to stay off the water because of dangerous flow rates and debris.

RCMP Air Services, the Lower Mainland District Integrated Emergency Response Team, the Lower Mainland District Underwater Recovery Team and West Coast Marine Services participated in the search and recovery operations. Corporal Brett Urano expressed condolences to those affected and said investigators are working to determine the cause of the accident.