One killed in Vancouver’s Cates Park boat crash; what we know about the ongoing investigation

A boat accident near Cates Park in North Vancouver on Saturday evening has left one person dead, as two boaters have collided. The incident occurred just before 5 p.m. PT on June 7, in the waters off the popular waterfront area, Whey-ah-Wichen.

Emergency services, including Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), paramedics, fire crews, and the Canadian Coast Guard, responded swiftly to reports of a serious marine collision. Witnesses reported seeing police, fire crews, and paramedics rushing to the scene at around 6.30 p.m. PT, both by land and sea.

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BC Emergency Health Services stated that one person was airlifted to a trauma hospital, and it is believed that this person later died due to the severity of their injuries. Details about the victim, including their identity and age, have not yet been publicly released pending family notification.

In total, two ambulances, an air ambulance, and multiple fire rescue units were dispatched. The Canadian Coast Guard and North Vancouver RCMP also responded.

Boaters and onlookers at the busy waterfront area said they heard a loud bang, followed by the sight of a badly damaged vessel and passengers in distress. Some witnesses reported seeing people pulled from the water by emergency responders.

The North Vancouver RCMP has launched an investigation into the cause of the incident. Officials have not yet confirmed the number of people involved or the extent of all injuries, but they have described the crash as serious.

As of Sunday morning, there were no updates on the condition of the victim who was airlifted.

Cpl. Brett Cunningham of the RCMP told local media that officers are continuing to gather witness statements and physical evidence to determine what led to the crash. Boaters in the area are being asked to come forward if they saw anything unusual.

Cates Park, also known by its Indigenous name Whey-ah-Wichen, is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The area remains open to the public, but officials are urging visitors to stay away from active emergency zones.