Tofino Whale-watching Company Says Capsizing That Killed 6 People Was 'Act Of God'

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 09 May, 2016 11:24 AM

VANCOUVER — The owner of a whale-watching vessel that capsized on Vancouver Island, killing six people, describes the tragedy as an "act of God" arising from unforeseeable ocean conditions.

Court documents filed by Jamie Bray of Tofino, B.C., in response to a proposed class-action lawsuit say Jamie's Whaling Station was complying with Transport Canada regulations when the craft flipped on Oct. 25, 2015.

Brothers Christian and Dirk Barchfeld filed the legal action last month, accusing the company of negligence for allowing the Leviathan II to overturn in treacherous conditions.

Captain Wayne Dolby is also named in the suit, in addition to Bray and his nature tour company.

Five Britons and an Australian died after the 20-metre vessel capsized with two dozen passengers and three crew on board.

None of the allegations have been tested in court.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

'It's Magic:' Calgary Artist Kay Pike Uses Paint To Transform Into Man Of Steel

Kay Pike stands in front of a giant lit mirror, dabs her brush into a glob of paint and touches it to her skin.

'It's Magic:' Calgary Artist Kay Pike Uses Paint To Transform Into Man Of Steel

Ontario To Resume Rabies Vaccine Baiting Effort As Outbreak Reaches 70 Animals

Ontario is set to start dropping more anti-rabies vaccine as part of its new phase in its fight against the virus, which has so far been found in 70 raccoons and skunks.

Ontario To Resume Rabies Vaccine Baiting Effort As Outbreak Reaches 70 Animals

Manitoba Tories Say They Would Create More Personal Care Home Beds

Manitoba's Progressive Conservatives say they will boost personal care home beds for seniors if the party wins next month's election.

Manitoba Tories Say They Would Create More Personal Care Home Beds

Parties Make Fiscal Promises As Campaign Continues For April 19 Vote In Manitoba

Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari said her government would run deficits longer, avoid tax increases and impose spending caps on health care and social services.

Parties Make Fiscal Promises As Campaign Continues For April 19 Vote In Manitoba

Wanted: Web Developers And Coders For Canada's Technology 'Gold Rush'

With the intention of starting up his own business, Dohnberg signed up for a nine-week boot camp at Bitmaker Labs, a web developer training school in Toronto.

Wanted: Web Developers And Coders For Canada's Technology 'Gold Rush'

Vancouver Tattoo Artist Transforms Scars Of Trauma Survivors Into Empowering Masterpieces

Auberon Wolf designs tattoos around cut lines from self-injury, burn welts and traces of physical violence, painting them into symbols of empowerment.