RICHMOND – Transport Canada has issued a detention order for a boat operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter, a British Columbia-based fishing charter service. This action follows a tragic incident involving the company's other vessel, which sank last month in the Strait of Georgia near Vancouver, resulting in one confirmed death and six individuals presumed drowned.
The detention order, which was posted on the window of the 11-metre boat, was executed on Thursday, citing multiple safety deficiencies and violations. Notably, the vessel was classified as a pleasure craft but was being used commercially to carry passengers. Additionally, it failed to meet registration and marking requirements as mandated by transportation regulations.
Lihe Yin, the owner of the vessel, has been identified in the order. The incident that spurred this order occurred on June 28, involving the nine-metre vessel known as Top Ocean. On that fateful day, there were ten people aboard the boat, and reports indicate that none were wearing life-jackets at the time of the sinking.
Rescue efforts led to the recovery of four individuals approximately an hour after the boat went down. Unfortunately, one of these survivors succumbed to injuries in the hospital, while six remaining occupants are still unaccounted for and presumed lost at sea.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have launched an investigation to determine whether any operational factors contributed to the sinking of the Top Ocean. Among those still missing is the 22-year-old captain, Chen Ming. His family has expressed their concerns regarding the vessel's safety prior to the incident. Both Ashley Lin, Chen's mother, and his girlfriend, Hailey Lee, revealed that Chen had previously complained about a malfunctioning side door on the boat. Lee even recounted her own experience aboard the vessel two days before its sinking when the defective door caused flooding.
In light of the situation, investigators are actively seeking additional information from individuals who may have relevant insights regarding past voyages conducted by the Top Ocean. This heightened scrutiny reflects the seriousness of the incident and the ongoing concerns regarding vessel safety in commercial operations.
Lin has also indicated uncertainty about her son’s licensing status as a charter boat captain, raising further questions about adherence to regulatory standards within the operation of Top Vancouver Fishing Charter.
Inquiries made to Top Vancouver Fishing Charter in recent days were met with responses from a representative named “Rocky,” who consistently declined to provide any comments regarding the incidents or the company's operational status. Notably, communications were unsuccessful on Thursday, with no further responses received.
This ongoing investigation underscores significant implications for safety regulations and practices within the charter fishing industry, as authorities aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
