The search continues for a 27-year-old Sydney man who went missing earlier this week after a whale watching boat sank off Canada’s Vancouver Island.
The boat, MV Leviathan II, was hit by a wave on Monday and rolled several times before it started to sink.
Survivors told media that they felt like they were tossed around like rag dolls, The Australian reported.
According to Matt Brown, a regional coroner for British Columbia Coroners Service, the incident would have taken place very quickly.
“It was a very chaotic situation.”
Matt Brown, Regional Coroner
Authorities along with a military rescue helicopter, three coastguards and local boats aided in search and rescue after receiving the initial distress call.
Twenty one people survived the incident, only a few were transferred to the local hospital with non life threatening injuries.
However, five people were confirmed dead on the scene and one missing.
Brown said as far as he is aware the search continues for the Australian man.
The unnamed 27-year-old was in Canada with his girlfriend and her family. Her father was among the five confirmed dead.
The Australian reports that the Sydneysider’s parents and his brother flew to Canada today.
In the meantime, Canadian authorities told the AAP that they’re now looking at expanding the search beyond waters and into local islands.
“There’s some discussion on doing land searches on various local islands throughout in the event the passenger was able to get to show and is on one of those small islands.”
Janelle Shoihet, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Corporal
