Pacific Seafood Group raises over $100K for families of Caledonian crew
The fishing boat capsized north of Tofino in September, killing 3 of its 4 crew members.
Pacific Seafood Group has raised more than $100,000 for the families of three crew members killed on the Caledonian, the fishing boat that capsized and sank in September, north of Tofino, B.C.
Frank Dulcich, president of Pacific Seafood, says the company stands with the Vancouver Island community in mourning the tragedy.
"Especially now during the holidays... we hope this fundraiser is at least one small way we are all able to show support to the families in this difficult time," said Dulcich, in a statement.
Fishing trip turned into tragedy
The Transportation Safety Board launched an investigation into the sinking, and according to the tsb website, it is still ongoing.
The vessel, which was owned by Pacific Seafood, capsized around 55 km west of Estevan Point, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The incident happened on the evening of Sept. 5.
Only one of four people aboard the boat survived.
The crew members who died were identified as:
- Wesley Hagglund, 55, of Duncan, the skipper.
- Keith Edward Standing, 48, of Port Alberni, the engineer.
- Doug White, 41, of Port Alberni, a deckhand.
Pacific Seafood set up an online fundraising platform and matched donations, which raised around $101,934.
On top of that, the company donated $37,456, which brings the total amount to around $139,390.
The company says around 140 individuals, companies and other fishing vessels donated to the fundraiser.
It plans to deliver the funds to the families today, on Christmas Eve.