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WATCH: The number of people searching the waters off of Tofino increased today. Yesterday morning a boat capsized leaving five men in the water. Two made it to shore while three are still unaccounted for. As Kendall Hanson reports searchers are still hoping to find the men alive.
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For a second day family and friends are on the Tofino dock hoping to hear news about three missing men.
There is still optimism the men might have made it to shore and crawled under a log or tree.
“Maybe you’re cold. You’re hypothermic. It’s a beautiful summer day. You know that enhances your chances of survival,” said Garth Cameron, search and Rescue manager with West Coast Search and Rescue. “And yeah we’re always hopeful.”
Early Thursday morning a boat with five men aboard capsized.
It’s believed they were headed to Opitsaht, a first nations reserve a short boat ride from Tofino.
Several people called 911 after hearing cries for help in Duffin Cove. One made it to shore and another was rescued from the waters.
The unknown details are now at the centre of the search.
“It’s a huge puzzle massive puzzle. Thousands of pieces and we’re constantly working to put the pieces together,” said Cameron.
Today the number of those looking for the missing men has grown.
Local first nations have 14 boats on the water, Central Vancouver Island search and rescue teams have 30 people searching — there are RCMP resources as well.
Crews are now covering a larger area.
“When you have that flushing and changeover of tide you have debris fields moving in different directions so it actually increases our areas of interest and our areas of concern,” said Cameron.
The Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation is asking for space for family members during this trying time but says the band is feeling the community’s love.
“We’ve had an outpouring of support from local businesses as well with huge amounts of food donations,” said Connor Paone. “Individuals are sharing food stocks they have in their pantries or their freezer.”
The three men have not been identified but two are brothers and all three are fathers.
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