Plane carrying 3 crashes off coast of Vancouver Island
Posted May 20, 2025 10:56 am.
Last Updated May 20, 2025 3:11 pm.
Three people were rescued from the water after a plane crashed near B.C.’s coast Monday.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) says it responded to reports that a civilian aircraft crashed into the water near Refuge Cove, roughly 30 kilometres east of Campbell River, around 7 p.m.
Coordinators tasked the Canadian Coast Guard Ship, Cape Caution, and an Inshore Rescue Boat from Cortes Island to assist in the rescue.
JRCC says three people were onboard the Censsna 185 float plane as part of a sightseeing tour, and all were able to exit when it crashed into the water.
“Local pleasure craft in the vicinity were able to help pick up the three people, and they were all transferred onto CCGS Cape Caution when it arrived on scene.”
It says the three people arrived in Campbell River by 9:45 p.m. to be assessed by paramedics.
In a statement to 1130 NewsRadio, BC Emergency Health Services says one person was transported to hospital in stable condition. The other two reportedly received care and assessment but did not require hospitalization.
The Powell River RCMP says Transport Canada will conduct an investigation, but it is believed that weather may have been a factor in the crash.
—With files from Michelle Meiklejohn
