Three dead in Squamish boating accident as B.C. warns of dangerous river conditions

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 14, 2026

Photo courtesy: Global News

Three people have died in a boating accident on the Squamish River in British Columbia, where recent heavy rainfall and flooding have created dangerous conditions for people on and near waterways.

Squamish RCMP responded to the incident at approximately 1:52 PM on November 12 after receiving reports of a boat carrying multiple people in the Squamish Valley.

Police initially confirmed two deaths and reported a third person missing. The District of Squamish subsequently confirmed that three people had died.

The circumstances leading to the incident remain under investigation.

Authorities have not publicly established why the boat was on the river during the flooding or what caused the accident.

Dangerous conditions complicate emergency response

Rescue and recovery operations were hampered by elevated water levels, strong currents and challenging weather.

Emergency teams faced significant risks because of fast-moving water and debris flowing through the river system.

The response involved Squamish Search and Rescue, RCMP Air Services, specialized emergency response personnel, underwater recovery teams and marine rescue services.

Squamish RCMP spokesperson Corporal Ashley MacKay said changing river conditions had significantly affected the operation and emphasized that protecting emergency personnel and the public remained a priority.

Police urged residents and visitors to stay off waterways because of dangerous flow rates and debris.

Community mourns victims

Squamish Mayor Sean Easton expressed condolences to the families and friends of those who died.

He also acknowledged the emergency personnel who assisted in responding to the incident.

The tragedy comes as Squamish and surrounding communities recover from days of heavy rainfall that caused flooding and dangerous river conditions.

Although some water levels have started to recede, local authorities warned that riverbanks may remain unstable because of erosion.

Residents have been advised to keep their distance from rivers, streams and other waterways.

The BC River Forecast Centre has downgraded the area’s flood watch to a high streamflow advisory, but further rainfall remains possible.