On Thursday night, a tragic boating accident occurred off the coast of Savary Island, British Columbia, resulting in the deaths of three men, with two others surviving.According to Powell River RCMP, the incident happened approximately 500 to 1,000 metres from shore.The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre was alerted around 10 p.m.PT when a personal vessel failed to return to Lund Harbour as expected.

Emergency response included a coast guard lifeboat from Powell River, an inshore fast rescue craft from Cortes Bay, and an Airforce Kingfisher aircraft from Comox.The RCMP reported that the five men had gone clam fishing; two managed to reach the shore, while three others were found deceased shortly after 11 p.m.The men were members of the Tla'amin Nation, and RCMP extended their condolences to the community for the loss.The two survivors were transported to hospital, and authorities are assisting the B.C.Coroners Service with the ongoing investigation.Savary Island is located in the Salish Sea, roughly 140 kilometres northwest of Vancouver.This incident highlights the dangers associated with small vessel boating in the region, particularly at night.