Survivor says Upper Squamish River boat struck a log before capsizing, killing three
A passenger who survived a boat crash on the Upper Squamish River described how the vessel hit a log and flipped, leaving three dead and five survivors.
Police responded to a boating accident on the Upper Squamish River near the 15900 block of Squamish Valley Road at about 1:52 p.m. on Thursday, where three people were killed and five survived. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating the incident.
Survivor Spencer Seabrooke told reporters that the group launched a fan boat from a campground, travelled south over a flooded road section to a farm, then continued toward a bridge and a nearby ranch owned by the boat’s operator. After clearing a log from a creek entrance with a chainsaw, they pushed off to travel upstream before turning back into the creek.
"We weren’t out there to recreate. We were out to try to help other people, and simply to get home safe after that," Seabrooke said.
He said a branch from the shore struck passengers, including the operator, and the boat then turned sideways into a log. The vessel flipped, trapping occupants under the log. Seabrooke managed to surface and pull two other passengers from the water; two others did not survive.
A nearby resident reported hearing a motorized boat on the swollen river, noting the water was about 5½ metres higher than usual for the season. Squamish Valley Road remained closed on Saturday, limiting emergency access to parts of the Upper Squamish Valley.
"I got a helicopter ride out with my dog because I was ready to come into town and be with family," Seabrooke added.
RCMP Corporal Brett Urano said no further details would be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.