VICTORIA - One year ago today, a whale-watching vessel sank off British Columbia's coast, tossing 27 people into the churning Pacific.
Five Britons and one Australian died when the 20-metre Leviathan II capsized in waters near Tofino, located about 320 kilometres northwest of Victoria.
Family members and loved ones are expected to gather today in Tofino at the community dock for the unveiling of a plaque honouring the memories of the deceased.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is expected to release its report on the tragedy next year, but initial comments from the scene last year said most passengers and the crew were on the top deck when a wave hit, causing the boat to tilt up, roll and capsize.
Calgary survivor Dwayne Mazereeuw says he was thrown off the boat and he and his wife survived by hanging onto a life ring until they were rescued by members of the Ahousaht First Nation who rushed to the scene in their boats.
Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne and the area's New Democrat member of the legislature, Scott Fraser, say the tragedy has scarred the small town and people are still struggling to heal.
