This investigation has been completed. The report was released on 30 July 2018.
Partial sinking with loss of life
Commercial sport fishing vessel BC1329967 (Catatonic)
Tofino, British Columbia
The occurrence
On 30 April 2017, at approximately 1314 Pacific Daylight Time, the sport fishing vessel Catatonic took on water and partially sank near Tofino, BC. The operator and 4 passengers were recovered from the water by 2 assisting vessels, and were transferred to a local hospital. Two of the vessel occupants were later pronounced dead. The vessel was eventually towed, dewatered, and secured at a local dock in Tofino. At the time of the occurrence, the vessel had approximately 200 L of marine gas oil on board. Minor pollution was reported.
Media materials
News release
Modifications to sports fishing vessel led to partial sinking and loss of life near Tofino, BC, in April 2017
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB deploys a team of investigators following the sinking of the fishing vessel Catatonic west of Tofino
Richmond, British Columbia, 2 May 2017 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators following the sinking of the fishing vessel Catatonic west of Tofino, British Columbia, on 30 April 2017. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
M17P0098
Partial sinking with loss of life
Commercial sport fishing vessel BC1329967 (Catatonic)
Tofino, British Columbia
Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.
Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.