Canadian Forces Suspend Search for 6 Missing Boaters; RCMP Takes Over Case

The Canadian Armed Forces have officially called off their search and rescue efforts for six individuals who went missing in B.C.’s Strait of Georgia. The file has now been handed over to the RCMP, who will head the ongoing investigation as a missing persons and recovery operation.

Around 11:45 a.m. PT on Sunday, June 28, 2026, a 10-person charter boat began taking on water and sank. The incident occurred near Roberts Bank, roughly 10 nautical miles (18 kilometers) southwest of Vancouver International Airport, triggering the emergency response.

A large-scale, coordinated rescue mission was quickly assembled to scan the waters. Air support featured a mix of military and police aircraft, including a CC-295 Kingfisher and a CH-149 Cormorant from 19 Wing Comox, as well as an Airbus H145 and an RCMP Black Hawk helicopter. Simultaneously, a fleet of marine vessels converged on the scene, including local Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue craft, Ganges Harbour lifeboats, and the Canadian Coast Guard Hovercraft Siyay. The emergency response extended beyond first responders, with nearby civilian boaters and commercial BC Ferries and Hullo Ferries vessels being diverted to assist in the lookout efforts.

Four people were successfully saved from the water on Sunday afternoon through the joint efforts of a civilian sailboat and first responders. After being taken ashore at the Sea Island Coast Guard Station in Richmond, the survivors were transported to the hospital. Their current medical conditions remain undisclosed.

Following the suspension of military search efforts in the Strait of Georgia, the RCMP has assumed control of the case. The operation, which began after six boaters vanished, is now being treated by police as a recovery and missing persons investigation.

The Scuba News Canada will update this situation, once we receive the information.