Two sailors rescued from Strait of Georgia after distress call

Two sailors were pulled from the Strait of Georgia on July 5, 2026, after being found by an air ambulance helicopter. (BCEHS)

Two sailors were rescued from the Strait of Georgia near Vancouver Island after they issued a distress call on Sunday, according to B.C. Emergency Health Services.

BCEHS said an air ambulance helicopter was flying between Texada and Hornby Islands when the call to assist in finding a sailboat nearby came in.

The pair of sailors was found after about 20 minutes of searching, when BCEHS said its crew members saw an oil slick and debris field in the water.

A civilian boat then arrived and made contact before pulling the sailors on board.

BCEHS said its air ambulance, as well as a ground ambulance with paramedics, went to Deep Bay Marina to meet the boat and the rescued sailors.

“Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to the two patients, who were transported to hospital in stable condition via ground ambulance,” BCEHS said, in a statement.

The same day, the helicopter also assisted in finding a distressed kayaker near Vancouver Island’s Rathtrevor Beach, BCEHS said.

“BCEHS is very proud of the paramedics and pilots for their quick action in assisting with these emergencies. We also appreciate the work of the JRCC along with civilian rescuers in helping to respond to these incidents.”