Community Alert: Six Missing After Charter Boat Sinks Near Richmond, BC

Authorities are conducting an extensive search after a charter vessel sank off the coast of Richmond, British Columbia on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Ten people were believed to be on board when the boat began taking on water near Roberts Bank late Sunday morning; six of those individuals are currently unaccounted for.

The incident was reported at approximately 11:45 a.m. by another civilian vessel in the area. A coordinated marine search and rescue operation was immediately initiated, involving multiple federal and provincial agencies. Four people from the vessel have been transported to hospital for medical treatment, while the search for the remaining six continues.

Official Incident Details

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and partner agencies, the following details have been confirmed at this time:

• The incident took place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, off the coast of Richmond, BC, in the vicinity of Roberts Bank.
• A charter boat with an estimated 10 people on board began taking on water and subsequently sank.
• The emergency was first reported by another civilian vessel operating nearby.
• The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria launched a full marine search and rescue response.
• Responding agencies include the RCMP, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, and BC Ferries.
• The search operation involves both marine vessels and aircraft covering the surrounding water and coastline.
• The RCMP has deployed two boats from West Coast Marine Services — the P.V. Lindsay and P.V. Higgitt — to assist with on-water search efforts.
• Air support from the RCMP includes a Black Hawk helicopter and an H145 Airbus from RCMP Air Services.
• Four people recovered from the incident have been transported to hospital for medical care.
• Six people remain missing, and the active search for them is ongoing at the time of this alert.
• The cause of the vessel’s sinking is currently unknown, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

While this emergency is unfolding on the water, broader community safety data for the City of Richmond can be viewed through CrimeCanada’s Richmond, British Columbia crime statistics and safety trends, which provide context on local public safety issues.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this marine incident highlights how quickly emergencies can develop in and around coastal communities in British Columbia. Even though this is not a criminal event at this stage, large-scale search and rescue operations strain public safety resources and underscore the importance of strong safety practices on the water. Whenever possible, boaters should ensure their vessels are properly maintained, carry sufficient lifejackets for all passengers, have reliable communication equipment, and file a float plan before departure. Community awareness is also critical — if you are on or near the water and observe a vessel in distress, immediately contact local authorities or marine rescue services. Staying informed and prepared helps reduce risk and supports the shared goal of a safer coastal community.

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.