Three men have lost their lives after their clam-fishing boat capsized in waters off Savary Island, British Columbia. The incident, described by authorities as a "clam fishing incident," unfolded late on the evening of May 21, 2026, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.
The alarm was raised when the private vessel failed to return to Lund Harbour as scheduled. The Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Victoria was alerted around 10 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, initiating a swift deployment of search and rescue resources. These included a Powell River Coast Guard lifeboat, an inshore fast rescue craft from Cortes Bay, and an Air Force Kingfisher aircraft from 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron based in Comox.
Tragic Discovery After Extensive Search
At approximately 11 p.m. that same evening, Powell River RCMP were contacted by the JRCC regarding the capsized boat. Reports indicated that two individuals had managed to reach shore, but three others were unaccounted for. Search efforts, coordinated by the RCMP and involving the Savary Island Volunteer Fire Department, focused on both marine and shoreline areas. Tragically, the three missing men were located deceased.
The two survivors were transported to Powell River, where they were assessed by paramedics and subsequently taken to hospital. The BC Coroners Service is now involved in the ongoing investigation into the incident, working alongside the Powell River RCMP to determine the exact circumstances that led to the capsizing.
Savary Island and Previous Incidents
Savary Island, known for its off-grid lifestyle, is located in the Strait of Georgia, northwest of Powell River. This incident adds to a series of maritime tragedies in the region. In the past week, there have been other separate drowning incidents reported, including a scuba diver off Gabriola Island and two unrelated drownings near Nanaimo beaches. These events highlight the inherent risks associated with water-based activities in British Columbia.
While the specifics of the clam-fishing boat incident are still under investigation, authorities emphasize the importance of maritime safety. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police stated that they are assisting the BC Coroners Service with their investigation. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.