11 rescued from overturned canoe in Burrard Inlet

Marine RCMP are seen rescuing people from an overturned canoe off West Vancouver on Sunday, July 5, in this video handed out by police.

Eleven people were safely taken to shore after their canoe turned over in the ocean off West Vancouver over the weekend, according to authorities.

Members of the RCMP Tactical Marine Operations Group were in the Burrard Inlet as part of FIFA World Cup security on Sunday afternoon when they received a distress call reporting an overturned canoe near Ambleside Beach.

“Upon arrival, officers located 11 people, including several youths, clinging to a large overturned canoe,” B.C. RCMP wrote in a statement Wednesday.

“Officers immediately began recovering individuals from the water. Due to the condition of some occupants who were experiencing difficulty remaining afloat, a Tactical Rescue Diver was deployed to assist with the rescue effort.”

Police say the individuals were suffering exposure to cold water but none of them were seriously hurt.

The vessel was towed to shore after divers made sure nobody was trapped beneath it.

“This incident highlights how quickly a day on the water can turn into an emergency,” said RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Brett Urano said, in the statement. “We are grateful that everyone was safely recovered and would like to remind boaters that wearing a properly fitted life jacket can significantly increase survival and safety in the event of an unexpected capsize.”