A devastating boating accident occurred Saturday evening at Cates Park in North Vancouver, resulting in the death of one child and leaving another in critical condition, Akshay Kulkarni, Shaurya Kshatri · CBC News.
According to North Vancouver RCMP, two children were riding on an inflatable tube that was being towed by a boat when a separate speedboat collided with them just before 6:30 p.m. The impact of the crash was severe, and despite immediate life-saving efforts, an 11-year-old child was pronounced dead at the scene. The second child was airlifted to the hospital and remains in serious condition. Authorities have not disclosed their age.
Cpl. Mansoor Sahak confirmed in a Sunday press briefing that the speedboat’s driver, a man from North Vancouver, was taken into custody at the scene. Police suspect that both speed and alcohol may have contributed to the collision. Several individuals were reported to be on board the speedboat at the time.
Sahak also stated that the person operating the boat towing the children was a relative of one of them and was the sole occupant of that vessel. Both children involved are residents of Vancouver.
Investigators are appealing to the public for any video footage or eyewitness accounts that could assist in the ongoing inquiry. While no charges have been laid yet, police continue to gather evidence.
The incident prompted a large emergency response. B.C. Emergency Health Services reported receiving a call at approximately 6:37 p.m., dispatching eight units, including a helicopter and specialized infant care team. The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria also responded with a lifeboat, rescue vessel, and hovercraft after being alerted about a collision involving two recreational boats.
The boat launch at Cates Park — also known as Whey-ah-Wichen — was temporarily closed during the investigation but has since reopened. The park sits at the eastern end of Dollarton Highway, overlooking Burrard Inlet.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, which oversees maritime activity in the area, expressed condolences to the affected families and is assisting emergency responders in the aftermath.
“Each year, we promote boater safety through various initiatives, but incidents like this remind us that not all tragedies can be prevented,” said Sahak. “We urge the public to remain cautious and responsible while out on the water.”