Three dead after boat collides with object on Squamish River amid flooding
Three people were killed and several others rescued after a boat struck an unknown object on the Squamish River during severe storm conditions, authorities said.
Three people died and a number of passengers were rescued after a boat struck an unknown object on the Squamish River on Thursday, according to the Sea-to-Sky RCMP. Approximately eight people were on board when the collision occurred, said Insp. Robert Dykstra. He said the impact forced the vessel to stop and threw occupants into the water, and that those who managed to get off were later rescued on the opposite bank, which is not currently reachable by road.
The river road at the Pilchuck Bailey Bridge remains closed because of flooding. Investigators are working to determine the boat’s ownership and why it was on the river during the harsh weather. Dykstra noted that “the flooding was quite substantial” and that recent rainfall had been significant.
RCMP responded to the scene at 1:52 p.m. PT. Cpl. Ashley MacKay said the weather and river conditions made the response “extremely difficult and unsafe,” and that water levels and flow rates can change rapidly, requiring continuous assessment. Police have urged the public to avoid the water due to high 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 effort. Cpl. Brett Urano said the force is working to determine exactly what happened and offered condolences to those affected.