Police have confirmed that a deadly fire at a marina in North Saanich began on a boat and spread to a fuel dock.
The incident happened on Sunday at the North Saanich Marina at approximately 3:50 p.m. after multiple agencies received calls about a boat fire and explosions.
Two people were sent to hospital with serious injuries. A man in his 50s died as a result of the incident according to the BC Coroners Service.
Sources told CHEK News, the man who died was a member of the marina and was on a family outing when his Bayliner caught fire as it was being untied.
In a media release issued Wednesday morning, RCMP confirmed that the fire began on the boat and spread to the fueling dock. They also said the fire could have been much worse, had it not been for the actions of marina staff.
This was a chaotic and extremely dangerous situation that developed in a very short amount of time. The quick thinking of the marina staff member to shut off the fuel pumps as they fled the fuel dock likely saved others from serious injury
Sgt. Colin Cook, of the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP Detachment, said in the release.
An off duty police officer, an off duty firefighter, and numerous civilians immediately jumped into action to offer help, and first aid to injured people, according to RCMP.
“This tragic situation could have been significantly worse if it wasn’t for the actions of those who were in the vicinity and offered help to the victims,” added Cook.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, however, RCMP say there is no indication that the fire is suspicious and there is no sign of criminality.
RMCP are asking anyone with video footage of the fire or the explosion, or were a witness to the events and have not yet spoken with police, please contact the Sidney / North Saanich RCMP at 250-656-3931.
RCMP confirm that the fire at the North Saanich Marina over the weekend began on a boat and spread to a fuelling dock.
Here is a video of the fire that was submitted to @CHEK_News
?David Beck#YYJ pic.twitter.com/4wWBLhDIlQ— Nicholas M Pescod (@npescod) May 13, 2020
Nicholas Pescod
