As the morning fog lifted over Vancouver Island’s eastern shore yesterday, the quiet community of Deep Bay erupted in chaos when a leisure craft exploded at the local marina, sending three people to hospital with varying degrees of injuries.
The incident occurred shortly after 9:30 a.m. when witnesses reported hearing a “deafening boom” that echoed across the harbor. Local fisherman Trevor Holden was preparing his gear nearby when the explosion happened.
“I was just checking my crab traps when I heard what sounded like a cannon going off,” said Holden, who was among the first to assist. “The boat was engulfed in flames within seconds, and we could see people in the water calling for help.”
Emergency responders from Qualicum Beach and Bowser fire departments arrived within minutes, joined by BC Ambulance Service paramedics who treated the victims at the scene. Two of the injured were airlifted to Victoria General Hospital with serious burns, while a third was transported by ground ambulance to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital with less severe injuries.
The Coast Guard established a containment zone around the marina to manage fuel spillage, working alongside environmental response teams to minimize ecological impact to the sensitive marine habitat that supports the region’s aquaculture industry.
“We deployed boom barriers immediately,” explained Coast Guard Officer Samantha Chen. “Our primary concerns were treating the injured and preventing environmental contamination to the bay’s oyster beds.”
Deep Bay, located approximately 60 kilometers north of Nanaimo, is known for its shellfish industry and recreational boating facilities. The marina serves both commercial fishers and weekend boaters exploring the Strait of Georgia.
The vessel, identified as a 28-foot cabin cruiser registered in Victoria, was completely destroyed. Preliminary investigations point to a possible fuel system malfunction, according to Fire Chief Martin Doyle of the Bow-Horn Bay Volunteer Fire Department.
“Initial evidence suggests propane may have accumulated in the engine compartment,” Doyle noted during an afternoon press briefing. “We’re still determining whether proper ventilation protocols were followed before the engine was started.”
The explosion has raised concerns among local boating enthusiasts as summer approaches, traditionally the busiest season for marine recreation throughout the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island communities.
Harbourmaster William Collins emphasized that this incident, while serious, remains relatively rare. “We inspect vessels regularly and provide safety information to all marina users,” Collins said. “This serves as an important reminder about fuel system maintenance and proper pre-launch safety checks.”
The names of those injured have not been released pending notification of family members. Hospital officials described two victims as being in serious but stable condition, while the third is expected to be released within days.
Local businesses reported feeling the blast from several hundred meters away. Sarah McKenzie, owner of the Shoreline Café overlooking the harbor, described the community response as immediate and unified.
“People were running toward the docks with fire extinguishers before emergency vehicles even arrived,” McKenzie said. “That’s the kind of community Deep Bay is—everyone helps in a crisis.”
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has dispatched investigators to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Their preliminary report is expected within two weeks, though comprehensive findings may take months to complete.
This incident comes just two years after safety regulations for recreational vessels were strengthened following a similar explosion in Sidney, BC in 2023. Those regulations mandated improved ventilation systems and carbon monoxide detectors on all gasoline-powered vessels over 6 meters in length.
Vancouver Island’s marine safety advocate Jennifer Patel called for boaters to use this incident as motivation to review their safety practices. “Every boating season should begin with thorough systems checks,” Patel advised. “Fuel systems, in particular, require vigilant maintenance and proper operating procedures.”
As cleanup continues at the Deep Bay marina, regular operations have resumed with heightened safety protocols. Local officials have scheduled a community meeting for tomorrow evening at the Deep Bay Community Hall to address concerns and review emergency response procedures.
For residents of this close-knit coastal community, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent to marine activities, even as they prepare for what promises to be a busy summer tourism season along Vancouver Island’s picturesque eastern coastline.
