UPDATE: The Victoria Joint Rescue Coordination Centre announced that the search for three missing people has been reduced and turned over to the RCMP as a missing persons case.
“JRCC thanks the countless volunteers in kayaks and other small private vessels, and on the ground from the communities surrounding the search area … who assisted in the search,” the JRCC said in a statement on Friday evening.
After an extensive #SAR, the #JRCC has called a search reduction for the case involving three individuals off Tofino. This case has been turned over to the RCMP. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the missing. Please visit https://t.co/BsXiwePAtN for more information. pic.twitter.com/PAXk99CGw1
— Victoria JRCC CCCOS (@VicJRCC_CCCOS) June 16, 2018
EARLIER: Three people are missing in the waters near Tofino after a boat capsized early Friday morning.
One person swam to shore and another was recovered from the water, according to reports.
Bystanders near Duffin Cove called 911 at 3 a.m. after hearing calls for help, Lt. Navy Melissa Kia, a spokeswoman for the Victoria Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre, told the Times Colonist.
The two survivors told first responders that they were on an open vessel that sank. No mayday was issued.
Both were taken to hospital with undisclosed injuries.
#BCEHS paramedics transported two patients in stable condition at 4:15 this morning after a rescue from a #Tofino beach. Paramedics remain on scene as the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre continues its search for three others.
— EmergHealthServices (@BC_EHS) June 15, 2018
The Canadian Coast Guard is currently searching the waters within a 41 km radius for the other three people.
Witnesses have shared video of Search and Rescue rescue operations currently underway.
JUst spotted Coast Guard boat off Chesterman Beach appears to be searching the waters @Tofino pic.twitter.com/BXpR546Zut
— 🍁 Merlin 🍁 (@MerlinYYC) June 15, 2018
Search and Rescue chopper spending a lot of time just off Chesterman Beach @Tofino in search for missing boaters 3 people reported missing pic.twitter.com/egAQ4jEhoA
— 🍁 Merlin 🍁 (@MerlinYYC) June 15, 2018