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© RT
A whale-watching tour boat with 27 passengers onboard has sunk off the coast of Tofino, British Columbia, rescue officials said on Sunday. There have been fatalities, but the number is yet unclear.

"There are fatalities involved and survivors. We are also conducting a search to confirm that we have recovered everybody," said the Joint Rescue Victoria Coordination Centre in Tofino, British Columbia, as quoted by Reuters.

At least 3 have been killed and four more sent to hospital, while 5 others were being treated, local CKNW radio station reported citing medical workers.

"Multiple but we don't yet have a firm number. Still a very fluid situation so we really are not sure yet," British Columbia Coroner spokeswoman Barb McLintock told AP in an email.

Rescue center said that the vessel had made a mayday call shortly before 4 pm local time.


The vessel was operated by a local company, Jamie's Whaling Station and Adventure Centres, which offers whale-watching tours popular in the area.