Towboat 519

05/30/2026

05/30/2026

The Toronto Police Marine Unit is reminding all beachgoers and boaters to use extreme caution when using inflatable dinghies and small watercraft on Lake Ontario.

Although conditions may appear calm from shore, winds and waves can change rapidly once away from land. It is very common for our crews to see small crafts drift farther offshore after operators underestimate changing conditions. Once away from the protection of land, winds and waves can rapidly push small vessels farther from shore and make it extremely difficult — or impossible — to return safely. Lake Ontario should always be treated with respect, as cold water and changing weather can quickly create dangerous conditions. Water temperatures in some areas are currently only 5°C, where cold water shock can occur within seconds.

Anyone operating a vessel — including small inflatables — should ensure they have all required safety equipment onboard, a reliable communication device, and most importantly, wear a properly fitted lifejacket at all times.

Since April, the Marine Unit has responded to three separate incidents involving inflatable dinghies that were not properly equipped and where occupants were not wearing lifejackets.

During yesterday’s incident near Outer Harbour and Cherry Beach, a citizen onshore recognized a vessel in distress, immediately contacted emergency services, and responded with his own vessel to assist until emergency crews arrived. Thanks to the combined efforts of responding agencies, one person was rescued. Search and recovery efforts remain ongoing for another individual.

Toronto Police extends our sincere condolences to the families and all those affected by this tragic incident.

We also want to thank all partner agencies involved in the response efforts: Joint Rescue Coordination Centre .Trenton




-SAR

For boating safety information, visit:
www.csbc.ca. and see www.lifesavingsociety.com

05/26/2026

🚤 OMSAR Responds to Eighth Tasking of 2026

Yesterday afternoon, JRCC Trenton tasked OMSAR to assist a disabled 15-foot bowrider off Bronte Harbour.

Following the pager activation, volunteer crew members responded from their homes and workplaces, launched Oakville Rescue, located the vessel, secured it for tow, and safely escorted it to the Bronte public launch ramp. The mission was completed without incident, with the crew returning to normal operations shortly after 18:00.

This marks OMSAR’s eighth tasking of 2026. To date, most responses have involved disabled vessels requiring assistance—demonstrating how quickly a mechanical problem can leave boaters stranded on Lake Ontario.

Before heading out this season:

✔️ Check fuel levels and battery condition
✔️ Ensure your engine and safety equipment are in good working order
✔️ Carry a reliable means of communication
✔️ Let someone know your plans before leaving shore

OMSAR’s volunteer crews remain ready to answer the call whenever assistance is needed on western Lake Ontario.

YTD: 8 taskings • 5 disabled vessels • Responses in Oakville, Bronte, Port Credit, and Burlington.

05/26/2026

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05/26/2026

Fatal Vessel Capsizing and Maritime Casualties in British Columbia

On the evening of May 21, 2026, a maritime incident involving a personal clam-fishing vessel occurred in the Strait of Georgia, approximately 500 to 1,000 meters off Savary Island, British Columbia. The vessel capsized while attempting a return transit to Lund Harbour. The incident resulted in three confirmed fatalities and two survivors.

Event Data & Coordinates

Location: Strait of Georgia near Savary Island, BC

Coordinates: 49.916537 N, -124.8135 W

Vessel Type: Personal fishing vessel (Clam-fishing)

Severity: High (3 fatalities)

SAR Coordination and Asset Deployment
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) based in Victoria initiated a multi-agency Search and Rescue (SAR) operation after receiving a failure-to-return alert at approximately 10:00 p.m. local time. The operation escalated at 11:00 p.m., prompting the deployment of several specialized airborne and surface assets:

Surface Assets: A Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) lifeboat and a fast rescue craft mobilized from Cortez Bay.

Air Assets: An RCAF Kingfisher rescue aircraft deployed from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Comox.

Shoreline Operations: Powell River RCMP and Savary Island Fire personnel conducted ground-based shoreline sweeps.

Two individuals successfully swam to shore and were subsequently transported to Powell River for medical assessment. Shoreline search crews recovered the bodies of the remaining three missing occupants.

This event marks a period of elevated maritime fatalities in the region. On May 20, 2026, a separate incident occurred involving an unresponsive scuba diver near Gabriola Island (Degnen Bay).

05/24/2026