Marine transportation safety investigation M14P0121

This investigation has been completed. The report was released 07 May 2015.

Table of contents

    Sinking and loss of life
    Small fishing vessel Five Star
    Johnstone Strait, British Columbia

    View final report

    The occurrence

    On 12 June 2014, the crab fishing vessel "Five Star", with 2 persons on board, was reported sunk, near Kelsey Bay in the Johnstone Strait. The master is missing and presumed drowned. The deckhand, wearing a personal floatation device, managed to swim ashore and contact 911. A TSB investigator was assigned to the accident.

    Investigation information

    Map showing the location of the occurrence

    M14P0121

    Sinking and loss of life
    Small fishing vessel Five Star
    Johnstone Strait, British Columbia

      Download high-resolution photos from the TSB Flickr page.

    Class of investigation

    This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.

    TSB investigation process

    There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation

    1. Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
    2. Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
    3. Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.

    For more information, see our Investigation process page.

    The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.