The 20 meter long passenger vessel Leviathan II capsized and sank off Plover Reefs, Vargas Island near Tofino, British Columbia. The Leviathan II had 27 persons on board on a whale watching tour when it capsized and partially sank. The master of the vessel was able to send out a distress call. Several nearby vessels responded while the Coast Guard began a search and rescue operation.  Reports state 23 of 27 persons were accounted with 4 still reported missing.  Four persons pulled from the water perished.  Many of those rescued were being treated in nearby hospitals and private homes.

Canadian authorities have dispatched an investigation team to the area. The cause of the capsizing has not been reported.