Transport Canada Detains Charter Boat Following Deadly British Columbia Sinking
VANCOUVER, July 10, 2026 — Transport Canada has ordered the detention of a charter boat connected to a fishing company involved in a fatal boating accident off the coast of British Columbia, citing multiple regulatory and safety violations.
The detention order applies to an 11-metre vessel operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter, the same company whose nine-metre boat, Top Ocean, sank in the Strait of Georgia on June 28. The tragedy left one person dead, while six others remain missing and are presumed drowned.
According to Transport Canada, the detained vessel was allegedly being operated commercially despite being registered as a pleasure craft. Authorities also cited deficiencies related to registration and vessel markings, prompting officials to prohibit its operation until the issues are addressed.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the sinking, including whether the vessel’s operation or maintenance contributed to the disaster. Police have confirmed that none of the 10 people aboard the Top Ocean were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident. Four passengers were rescued, but one later died in hospital.
The captain of the vessel, 22-year-old Chen Ming, is among those still missing. Family members have claimed he had previously raised concerns about a damaged side door that allegedly allowed water to enter the boat during an earlier voyage. Investigators are interviewing additional witnesses and reviewing information from previous trips as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges, and the investigation into the incident remains active.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE