Boat catches fire and sinks into Indian Arm fjord near Deep Cove

A pleasure craft caught fire on the waters of Indian Arm Saturday, prompting a rescue call.

An email from Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs says the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Victoria was called about the fire just before 12:30 p.m.

“Canadian Coast Guard Ships Laredo Sound and Kitsilano 1 were dispatched from Canadian Coast Guard Station Kitsilano to respond,” said the agency.



Video credit Terry Hewitt, shared with permission.

However, before the Coast Guard arrived, the agency says a vessel of opportunity had jumped into action and rescued the passengers.



“The Coast Guard vessels secured the area and monitored the pleasure craft as it sank.”

Pictures from the scene show flames engulfing the boat, burning the craft to its metal hull. A large plume of smoke could be seen all the way from North Vancouver’s Deep Cove.

In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, the Canadian Coast Guard shared that it was made aware of the “smoldering” vessel in Indian Arm around 12:30 p.m.

“The vessel was reported to have 1,200L of diesel on board before the fire occurred, and after sinking a small sheen was visible in the area. … Equipment is in place to address any pollution and to monitor for additional upwelling,” spokesperson Melanie McNabb stated.

The number of people on board the boat at the time of the fire is still unclear, as are any injuries and cause of the blaze. However, the Coast Guard stated that all the occupants were “safely removed” before the boat sank around 3:40 p.m.

With files from Charlie Carey.

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