Squamish boat incident leaves 2 dead, 1 missing as search continues

Squamish RCMP say two people are dead and one remains missing after a boat incident involving multiple people in the Squamish Valley. Officers responded at about 1:52 p.m. on Nov. 12, and search, rescue and recovery operations continued on Nov. 13.

Police said all other people involved in the incident have been accounted for.

Elevated water levels and challenging weather made search, rescue and recovery efforts extremely difficult and unsafe for emergency responders on Nov. 12, according to the RCMP. Operations continued the following day as the response remained time-sensitive and complex.

Squamish RCMP enlisted Squamish Search and Rescue, RCMP Air Services, the Lower Mainland District Integrated Emergency Response Team, the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team and West Coast Marine Services to assist with the response.

Cpl. Ashley MacKay said weather and river conditions have had a significant effect on the response. Police said weather patterns, water levels and river conditions can change quickly and are being assessed continuously as search and recovery work continues.

Police are asking the public to stay off the water because of dangerous flow rates and debris throughout the river systems. They said responder and public safety remain paramount. Police said they would release no further information at this time. The Squamish RCMP file number is 2026-10050.