RCMP Update: Fatal Charter Boat Sinking Near Roberts Bank

Community Safety Alert for Coastal Boaters

The Richmond RCMP Serious Crime Unit is continuing its investigation into the sinking of a commercial charter fishing vessel near Roberts Bank on June 28, 2026. Ten people were on board the vessel at the time; four were rescued from the water, one of whom has since died in hospital, and six individuals remain missing.

Police confirm the vessel involved was the Top Ocean, previously named the Big Coast, a 2017 Kingfisher 3025 Destination operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc. The investigation is active and involves multiple partner agencies examining how the vessel was being operated, what may have caused it to sink, and what took place immediately after the incident.

Official Incident Details

According to Richmond RCMP, the sinking involved the following key facts:

• Incident date and location: Sinking of a commercial charter fishing vessel near Roberts Bank on June 28, 2026.
• Vessel details: Top Ocean (formerly Big Coast), a 2017 Kingfisher 3025 Destination, operated by Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc.
• Total people on board: 10 individuals (8 charter guests, the vessel operator, and one person assisting the operator).

Rescued Occupants

Four people were recovered from the water following the sinking:

• Survivor: 33-year-old woman from Toronto, Ontario (released from hospital).
• Survivor: 33-year-old man from Redmond, Washington (released from hospital).
• Survivor: 26-year-old man from Richmond, British Columbia (released from hospital).
• Deceased: 28-year-old woman, a Chinese citizen residing in Seattle, Washington, who later died in hospital from her injuries.

Missing Individuals

Six people remain unaccounted for in connection with this marine tragedy:

• 33-year-old man from Toronto, Ontario.
• 31-year-old woman from Redmond, Washington.
• 31-year-old man, a Chinese citizen residing in Seattle, Washington.
• 29-year-old woman from West Vancouver, British Columbia.
• 32-year-old man from West Vancouver, British Columbia.
• 22-year-old man from Richmond, British Columbia, identified as the vessel operator.

Families of those involved have asked that the names of the victims and missing persons not be published as they request privacy while they cope with this event.

Ongoing Investigation and Vessel Recovery Efforts

Investigators have been:

• Collecting formal statements from survivors and witnesses.
• Reviewing photographs and video footage related to the trip and vessel.
• Compiling information on the vessel’s history and commercial operations, including earlier voyages.

On July 6, 2026, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team, assisted by West Coast Marine Services, located the sunken vessel approximately 153 metres below the surface using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The depth, lack of light, and challenging underwater conditions restricted the ability to thoroughly inspect the interior of the vessel. A search of the surrounding seabed did not locate any of the missing occupants outside the wreck.

Police and marine partners are now assessing specialized recovery options. Any attempt to raise or closely examine the vessel will require advanced marine equipment and expert technical support.

The investigation is led by the Richmond RCMP, in close cooperation with Transport Canada, WorkSafeBC, and the BC Coroners Service, each focusing on their respective legal and safety mandates. In addition, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is conducting an independent safety investigation to understand how this marine occurrence happened and to help prevent similar tragedies in the future. The TSB does not determine fault or liability.

Public Assistance Requested

Crime Canada community: your help is needed. Investigators want to hear from anyone who has information about this incident or who has previously travelled on voyages involving the Top Ocean (formerly the Big Coast) or with Top Vancouver Fishing Charter Inc. and has not yet spoken to police.

If you have any details, even if they seem minor, contact the Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212 and quote file number 2026-20338. First-hand observations about the vessel’s condition, safety practices, or previous trips can be vital in reconstructing what led to this sinking.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident highlights the serious risks associated with marine charter operations, especially in busy coastal areas like Richmond, British Columbia. While overall crime and safety patterns in the region can be reviewed through resources such as our Richmond, British Columbia crime and safety statistics, marine incidents require a different form of community vigilance. Before booking a charter, passengers should verify operator credentials, ask about safety equipment and emergency procedures, and ensure there are enough flotation devices for everyone on board. Reporting any previous safety concerns about commercial vessels to authorities can help prevent future tragedies and supports our shared mission of safer waters and safer communities.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the british-columbia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.