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Five dead as Canadian whale-watching boat sinks

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At least five people are dead after a whale-watching boat sunk off the coast of British Columbia in western Canada yesterday (Sunday 25th October).

According to the coastguard, the boat carrying 27 people sank near Tofino on Vancouver Island. Sea conditions at the time were reported to be calm.

Officials from the local emergency services said 21 people had been rescued and one other person was still missing.

The nationalities of the victims are not yet known.

The boat, Leviathan II, made a mayday call late on Sunday afternoon, according to the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre.

Valerie Wilson, of the Vancouver Island Health Authority, said that the survivors had been admitted to Tofino General Hospital and three of them had since been transferred elsewhere.

The first rescue boats to arrive belonged to the nearby Ahoushat First Nation community, aboriginal councillor Tom Campbell said.

He said he saw the first survivors brought ashore.

“Their looks tell the whole story,” he told reporters. “You can’t describe looks on people that are lost. They look totally lost – shocked and lost.”

It’s reported that the boat sunk some distance from the shore.

The 20m (65ft) boat was operated by Jamie’s Whaling Station and Adventure Centres.

In a statement on the company’s website, owner Jamie Bray said: “It has been a tragic day. Our entire team is heartbroken over this incident.

“We are doing everything we can to assist our passengers and staff through this difficult time. We are co-operating with investigators to determine exactly what happened.”

Tofino is a popular destination for tourists wanting to spot humpback and Pacific Gray whales, and trips usually last up to three hours.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk/news

Photo: Albert Titian

Blogs

Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire

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Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.

Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.

Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:

  • 12 April
  • 5 July,
  • 20 September
  • 29 November

Partnership with Casita Palma

If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.

Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.

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SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)

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In a video created exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman visits SOMABAY in the Egyptian Red Sea to experience the diving on offer there.

Book your next Red Sea dive adventure with SOMABAY! For more information, visit www.somabay.com.

Stay at the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge when you visit! For more information, visit  www.thebreakers-somabay.com.

Find out more about ORCA Dive Clubs at SOMABAY at www.orca-diveclubs.com/en/soma-bay-en.

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Experience the Red Sea in May with Bella Eriny Liveaboard! As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to dive into the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. Join us on Bella Eriny, your premier choice for Red Sea liveaboards, this May for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Explore vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs Enjoy comfortable accommodation in our spacious cabins Savor delicious meals prepared by our onboard chef Benefit from the expertise of our professional dive guides Visit our website for more information and to secure your spot: www.scubatravel.com/BellaEriny or call 01483 411590 More Less

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