Lost fisherman found alive, another still missing after life raft discovered off Vancouver Island
One of two American fishermen who had been lost at sea for nearly two weeks was found alive Thursday, floating in an emergency life raft approximately 75 kilometres off the west coast of Vancouver Island.
The other man who was aboard their 13-metre vessel when it left Grays Harbor in Washington state on Oct. 12, has not been found.
The lone survivor was located by the crew of the Canadian fishing boat "Ocean Sunset" approximately 40 nautical miles off Ucluelet, B.C., around 8 a.m.
"It's a one-in-a-million chance to find a life raft out there in that huge open ocean," U.S. Coast Guard public affairs officer Steve Strohmaier said of the discovery.
"We're really, really grateful for those Good Samaritans who took him aboard," Strohmaier said, commending the crew of the Canadian boat for feeding the castaway and giving him water while waiting for authorities to arrive.
Canadian Coast Guard vessel Cape Ann was dispatched to the scene to bring the stranded man ashore.
B.C. Emergency Health Services says it was contacted by the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Victoria at 8:42 a.m. about "a marine incident." An ambulance was sent to the government dock in Tofino to await the man's arrival.
Paramedics treated the mariner, who was found to be in stable condition, and transported him to Tofino General Hospital.
The U.S. Coast Guard had been searching for the missing mariners after their vessel, named "Evening," failed to return to Westport, Wash., on Oct. 15.
The search was called off Wednesday after authorities scoured more than 36,000 square kilometres of ocean.
"Literally about 12 hours after we suspended (our search), a Good Samaritan vessel was able to come upon this life raft pretty much out in the middle of nowhere," Strohmaier said. "And miraculously, there was one person inside that was alive."
The U.S. Coast Guard says it will work with the rescued man to determine what happened to his fishing partner and their boat before determining whether or not to renew the search.
"At this time, the search for the other individual is still suspended pending any new information," United States Coast Guard public affairs officer Travis Magee said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.