Premier Christy Clark has issued the following statement on the tragic capsizing of the Leviathan II, a whale-watching tour boat near Tofino:

“Yesterday, a whale-watching vessel carrying 27 passengers and crew members capsized near Tofino. Canada Coast Guard, the RCMP and WestCoast Inland Search and Rescue responded quickly – but tragically, five lives were lost. The RCMP continues to search for one other missing individual.

“My thoughts and my prayers and those of all British Columbians go out to the families and the loved ones of those that were lost or injured.

“Emergency Management BC has been in close contact with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre as it led efforts to ensure all available resources were available for the search and rescue, the survivors and responding communities.

“I understand there was tremendous co-operation amongst all the communities, agencies, emergency personnel and the Ahousaht First Nation, who worked together to respond.

“My thanks to all those involved in the rescue and the response and for their efforts during this tragic incident.”