Capsizing and loss of life
Landing craft Duu Guusd and skiff
Langara Island, British Columbia
The occurrence
On 05 June 2025, a master and a deckhand boarded a small aluminum skiff from shore and proceeded toward the landing craft Duu Guusd, which was anchored approximately 30 m offshore near Langara Island, British Columbia.
As the skiff approached the landing craft, it suddenly became unstable and capsized. The master and the deckhand, who were both wearing personal flotation devices, entered the water. The deckhand, who was a non-swimmer, lost consciousness shortly afterward. The master swam to shore, bringing both the unconscious deckhand and the overturned skiff with him.
Two persons from the shore responded, but the unconscious deckhand did not recover and was later pronounced dead. The TSB is investigating.
Investigation information
M25P0108
Capsizing and loss of life
Landing craft Duu Guusd and skiff
Langara Island, 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.