Boat collision claims life of 1 child, sends another to hospital in critical condition

A boat collision in the Lower Mainland has killed an 11-year-old and put another child in the hospital in critical condition.

At around 6:30 pm on Saturday, the North Vancouver RCMP received multiple reports of a collision between a speedboat and two children on an inflatable tube being towed by another boat.

“It’s alleged that a speedboat travelling off the waters of Cates Park struck the two children on the inflatable tube,” wrote the RCMP.

“North Vancouver RCMP frontline officers, along with numerous other first responders, attended the scene. Life-saving measures were applied to both children. Sadly, one child did not survive and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The second child was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition.”

Police added that the operator of the vessel that struck the tube is currently in custody as police conduct their investigation.

“Alcohol and speed may have been a factor in the collision, and as the investigation continues, officers will work to uncover all available evidence pointing to the cause of this collision,” said Cpl. Mansoor Sahak, North Vancouver RCMP.

The RCMP also stated that victim services are engaged and providing support to the family following the “tragic loss of life.”

“Police have received multiple calls from witnesses, but there may be more out there. We are urging anyone who was on the water, witnessed the incident, and may have recorded the incident on their cell phone to call police,” added the RCMP.

“Anyone who has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact the North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311 and quote file 25-11599.”

_{With files from The Canadian Press.}