Three men killed when boat capsizes off B.C. coast near Powell River

POWELL RIVER — Three men have been killed when a clam-fishing boat they were on capsized in the waters off B.C.’s Sunshine Coast.

Powell River Mounties say in a release that the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre launched a search at about 10 p.m. Thursday when the vessel didn’t return as expected to Lund Harbour.

A coast guard lifeboat, a Royal Canadian Air Force Kingfisher aircraft and other resources were deployed in an area near Savary Island, about 20 kilometres northwest of Powell River.

Police say searchers found the boat had capsized about 1,000 metres off the island and two men had made it safely to shore, while three others were missing.

A search along the shoreline found the bodies of all three men.

The survivors were taken to hospital in Powell River, and police say the BC Coroners Service is investigating the deaths.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2026.

The Canadian Press