Three men tragically lost their lives on Thursday evening following a boating accident off the coast of Savary Island, British Columbia.According to the Powell River RCMP, the incident occurred around 11 p.m.when the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre reported a capsized boat located approximately 500 to 1,000 metres from shore.While two men managed to reach the shore safely, three others remained missing.The men had been clam fishing at the time.

Authorities immediately deployed search and rescue resources, including a Powell River Coast Guard lifeboat, an inshore fast rescue craft from Cortez Bay, and a Kingfisher aircraft from the 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Comox.In coordination with Savary Island Fire, the RCMP conducted extensive shoreline searches and confirmed the three missing men had died.The two survivors were transported to Powell River and admitted to hospital for medical attention.The BC Coroners Service is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The incident has raised concerns regarding boating safety during recreational and commercial fishing activities in the area, highlighting the risks associated with small watercraft operations in offshore conditions.