This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34654795

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Canada whale boat stability questioned by investigators Canada whale boat stability questioned
(about 4 hours later)
Most of the passengers on a Canadian whale-watching boat that sank, killing five people, were on the left-hand side of its upper deck, which affected the vessel's stability, a report has said. Most of the passengers on a whale-watching boat which sank off the coast of Canada were standing on the left side of the vessel when a wave hit it from the right, investigators say.
The Leviathan II, which was carrying 27 people, sank near Tofino, British Columbia on Sunday afternoon. Five Britons died when Leviathan II sank near Tofino, British Columbia on Sunday afternoon. A 27-year-old Australian man remains missing.
Canadian investigators said a wave hit the vessel from the right, causing it to list to one side before capsizing. Canadian investigators said the vessel tilted before capsizing.
A 27-year-old Australian man from Sydney is still missing. Passengers were not required to wear life jackets, but they were available.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said its investigation will continue on Wednesday, when the vessel will be examined to "understand its condition at the time of the accident". Marc Andre Poisson, director of marine investigations for the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada, said the position of most people on one side would have "raised the centre of gravity" and affected the boat's stability.
"This will include reviewing stability information at the time of its construction, and examining any modifications that have been made since its initial construction that may have affected its stability," a statement said. "We also know that the sea conditions were such that a wave approached from the starboard quarter, that's the right of the vessel," he added.
David Thomas, 50, and his son Stephen, 17, from Swindon were among those who died. Stephen's mother Julie was rescued from the Leviathan ll. "We know that the vessel broached and then capsized."
Nigel Hooker, 63, from Southampton, Salford-born Jack Slater, 76, who had lived in Canada for many years and Katie Taylor, 29, who was living in Whistler, British Columbia, also died. David Thomas, 50, and his son Stephen, 17, from Swindon were among those who died. Stephen's mother Julie was rescued.
Nigel Hooker, 63, from Southampton, Salford-born Jack Slater, 76, who had lived in Canada for many years, and Katie Taylor, 29, who was living in Whistler, British Columbia, also died.
All five were on the open, upper deck of the boat, but were not wearing life jackets, regional coroner Matt Brown told a news conference.All five were on the open, upper deck of the boat, but were not wearing life jackets, regional coroner Matt Brown told a news conference.
The other passengers were all in an enclosed part of the boat.The other passengers were all in an enclosed part of the boat.
'Amazing response'
The TSB said the vessel would be examined on Wednesday to "understand its condition at the time of the accident".
"This will include reviewing stability information at the time of its construction, and examining any modifications that have been made since its initial construction that may have affected its stability," a statement said.
Officials have said more of the 27 people on board could have died had it not been for the "amazing response" from locals around Tofino.Officials have said more of the 27 people on board could have died had it not been for the "amazing response" from locals around Tofino.
Corene Inouye, director of operations at Jamie's Whaling Station and Adventure Centre, the company that owns the boat, said: "It appears the incident happened so quickly that the crew didn't have an opportunity to send out a Mayday." Bosses at Jamie's Whaling Station and Adventure Centre, which owned the boat, have said the incident happened so quickly the crew did not have chance to send a Mayday alert.
She added the skipper of the ship has more than 20 years' whale-watching experience and had completed 18 years with the company. They said the skipper has more than 20 years' whale-watching experience and had completed 18 years with the company.
Company owner Jamie Bray said passengers on the boat were not required to wear life jackets as it has enclosed compartments, which would be difficult to exit in the event of a sinking.Company owner Jamie Bray said passengers on the boat were not required to wear life jackets as it has enclosed compartments, which would be difficult to exit in the event of a sinking.
Matt Brown, regional coroner for the Island Region of the British Columbia Coroners Service, said: "Our understanding at this time is that life jackets were on board. I believe that this vessel can occupy up to 50 individuals. There were 27 on board and there were life jackets available for all of them."
Another whale-watching boat operated by the same company capsized in 1998, killing two people, including the boat operator and a tourist from Germany.Another whale-watching boat operated by the same company capsized in 1998, killing two people, including the boat operator and a tourist from Germany.
Australian Associated Press reported the missing 27-year-old Sydney man was on the boat with his girlfriend and her family when it sank.Australian Associated Press reported the missing 27-year-old Sydney man was on the boat with his girlfriend and her family when it sank.
British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said his thoughts were with the family and friends of those affected by Sunday's incident.British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said his thoughts were with the family and friends of those affected by Sunday's incident.
Canadian prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau said he was "shocked and saddened" by the deaths.Canadian prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau said he was "shocked and saddened" by the deaths.
Whale watching off British ColumbiaWhale watching off British Columbia