An 11-year-old child has tragically died, and another child remains hospitalized following a serious boating collision that occurred near Cates Park in North Vancouver on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The North Vancouver Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) held a press conference on Sunday afternoon to provide details regarding the incident.
According to the police, the driver of the speedboat involved in the collision has been arrested. Investigators believe that both speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors in the tragic event. The incident unfolded at approximately 6:30 p.m. when the North Vancouver RCMP received multiple emergency reports about a severe collision involving a speedboat and two children who were being towed on an inflatable tube.
It is alleged that a speedboat traveling in the waters off Cates Park struck the two children on the inflatable tube. In the aftermath of the collision, Mounties attempted life-saving measures on both children; however, one child was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The second child was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition, as confirmed by police.
The British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded to the incident shortly after the initial reports were made. They dispatched a total of eight units, which included three primary care paramedics, two advanced care paramedics, a supervisor, an infant care team, and a helicopter to assist in the emergency response. BCEHS confirmed that one of the victims transported to the hospital was not related to the 11-year-old who lost their life.
Residents in the vicinity heard sirens before 7 p.m. on Saturday evening, indicating the urgency of the response to the situation. The RCMP acted promptly by closing the park's boat launch area temporarily in order to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.
The police are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or has additional information to come forward. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file number 25-11599. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with boating activities, particularly when children are involved. Safety measures and responsible behavior are crucial to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
