Yes, I heard...

Speaking of the whale watch boat that went down off the west coast of Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada).

I heard about it shortly after it happened yesterday.  No, I don't know the cause, just the fact that there were fatalities and survivors.

I have received e-mails and private messages asking about this - most asking, "How can this happen?"

The operator is Jamie's Whaling Station.  They have two locations: Tofino and Ucluelet.  The boat involved in this is the Leviathan II, a 65' excursion vessel.  As of this morning, there a 5 people confirmed dead, 21 survivors, 1 still missing.  There is speculation as to the cause, but at this time no official cause has been released.  What is known: clear conditions, seas were 3 to 4 meters (approx 9 to 13 feet), not much wind.  The incident occurred near Plover Reefs, west of Vargas Island.

No, I have no familiarity with that particular operator.  The areas we cover are quite a ways apart.  As far as "How can that happen?"... every time we push off from the dock, there is risk.  Rocks and waves (as in the area of Plover Reefs) can be a bad combination.  It is the responsibility of the captain to operate the boat in a safe manner.  The weather and sea conditions can be unpredictable.  Every captain I know puts safety first... but boating in the Pacific Northwest can be harsh.

It is not "Disneyland" (where the "thrill rides" are controlled).  The water is cold.  Year 'round.  Tides mean rocks that were showing a couple hours ago can now be just under the water.  There are no "routes" when the goal is to view wildlife - the animals go where they go, and it is up to the operator to get guests to the good viewing.  For most operators, that means: never the same trip twice.  They may operate in familiar areas, but the ever-changing conditions mean you can't let your guard down.

I have often been told, "You have the best job..."  Yes, it is great to be out on the water; to get to see the spectacular scenery and see some great wildlife in their natural surroundings; to get to meet people from all over who share a similar passion.  That said, the responsibility weighs on you.  It is up to the captain to keep everyone onboard safe, even when they may not take responsibility for their own safety.  I have seen guests onboard do some stupid things... and I have to be "the bad guy" when I tell them not to stand on the seats, or lean over the railings, or let their children run around unsupervised.  The captain has to balance the distance to the wildlife with the conditions, the terrain (that may be just under the water), the regulations, and the respect for the wildlife.  We meticulously maintain the boats.

We check weather before and during every trip.  Weather can change quickly, and forecasts are not always accurate.  We may cover a lot of water, where the conditions can vary.  We have to balance time, distance, schedules.  It is not a "pleasure trip" for the crew - we are charged with the responsibility of keeping everyone onboard safe and comfortable, and getting them the wildlife experience they came to see.  The crew isn't there "to watch the show."  We can do everything right, but the wildlife may not cooperate.  Or, Mother Nature may not cooperate.  There are guest expectations, but those expectations rarely consider the harsh reality of what can happen on the water.

Every captain I know considers those "harsh realities."  We train for all manner of emergency situations... and do our best to insure we never have to use that training.

So, no, I don't know the cause of this tragic situation.  But, I do understand how it can happen.  My heart goes out to the operator, the crew, the passengers, and all their families.

There are days when I feel I do have the best job; and days when I am glad to be back at the dock.