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Five Britons dead after Canadian whale-watching boat sinks Five Britons dead after Canadian whale-watching boat sinks
(35 minutes later)
Five Britons were killed when a whale-watching boat sank off the coast of western Canada, UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has said.Five Britons were killed when a whale-watching boat sank off the coast of western Canada, UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has said.
The boat carrying 27 people sank near Tofino on Vancouver Island on Sunday.The boat carrying 27 people sank near Tofino on Vancouver Island on Sunday.
Emergency officials said 21 people had been rescued and one other person was still missing.Emergency officials said 21 people had been rescued and one other person was still missing.
The boat, Leviathan II, made a mayday call before sinking about 8 miles (12km) west of Tofino. Sea conditions at the time were reported to be calm.The boat, Leviathan II, made a mayday call before sinking about 8 miles (12km) west of Tofino. Sea conditions at the time were reported to be calm.
Authorities say they do not know what caused the accident, which is still being investigated.Authorities say they do not know what caused the accident, which is still being investigated.
Mr Hammond said: "It is with deep sadness that I can confirm five British nationals have lost their lives when the whale watching boat they were on sank off Western Canada on Sunday.Mr Hammond said: "It is with deep sadness that I can confirm five British nationals have lost their lives when the whale watching boat they were on sank off Western Canada on Sunday.
"My thoughts are with the family and friends of all those affected by this terrible accident.""My thoughts are with the family and friends of all those affected by this terrible accident."
He said consular staff in British Columbia were supporting the family members of those who had died and were in close contact with the Canadian authorities.He said consular staff in British Columbia were supporting the family members of those who had died and were in close contact with the Canadian authorities.
Within 30 minutes of the mayday call, a rescue helicopter and boat were on the scene. Within 30 minutes of the mayday call, a rescue helicopter and boat were on the scene. Other boats in the area also responded to the call for help.
The first rescue boats to arrive belonged to the nearby Ahousaht First Nation community, aboriginal councillor Tom Campbell said. Tofino fishing guide Lance Desilets said at least 12 rescue boats were already out on the water when he arrived on the scene.
He said he saw the first survivors brought ashore. "I saw a lot of personal belongings, a long diesel slick and the top 10 feet of the Leviathan II sticking out of the water," he said. "It's a sad day for our community."
"Their looks tell the whole story,'' he told the Associated Press (AP) news agency. "You can't describe looks on people that are lost. They look totally lost - shocked and lost.'' Melissa Kai, of the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Center in Victoria, British Columbia said the search-and-rescue efforts had concluded, and the case of the missing person had been turned over to Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing a diesel slick and personal belongings in the water.
The 20m (65ft) boat was operated by Jamie's Whaling Station and Adventure Centres.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.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.""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.Tofino is a popular destination for tourists wanting to spot humpback and Pacific Gray whales, and trips usually last up to three hours.
Canadian Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau thanked all those who participated in the rescue effort and offered his condolences to the victims and their families.
"I know firsthand of this coastal area's natural beauty and the many people who visit here from all around the world," said Mr Trudeau, who won Canada's national elections last week.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the passengers, the crew, and their families at this most difficult time. We will continue to offer them support in the days ahead."
Whale watching off British Columbia