Dozens of 'optimistic' volunteers resume search for 3 missing boaters near Tofino

Dozens of volunteers have resumedthe search forthree missingpeople off thecoast of Vancouver Island.

The boaters disappeared when a small boat capsized near Tofino, B.C., on Friday morning.

A search was launched after several 911 callers reported hearing screamsfor help from the water nearDuffinCove around 3 a.m. PT.

Two men were rescued one from the water and one who had made it toshore and taken to hospital.

The search for the other threewas called off at nightfall on Friday. The operation has since been handed over toRCMPas a missing person's case.

'Every island every shoreline'

At dawn on Saturday, volunteers from neighbouring communities were back onland and water.

Connor Paone, executive assistant with theTla-o-qui-ahtFirst Nation, said peoplefrom theClayoquot,Ucluelet and AhousahtFirst Nationshave all come to help with more than a dozen boats.

He said West Coast Vancouver Island Search and Rescue is managing efforts on the ground, with the Canadian Coast Guard in charge of marine efforts.

RCMPare using sonar equipment to comb the ocean floor for evidence.

Officials and volunteers are working together out of an emergency operations centre established on the First Street dock.

"We have our ground crews hopping on every island and every shoreline," said Paone. "We're going to cover basically all of it."

'We're really optimistic'

Strong winds on Friday as well as typical currents in the region meant a "wide range of places to search," but Saturday's weather is looking far clearer.

Paone said hopes are high.

"We're really optimistic. We're hoping for the best result possible," he said.

"Everyone's in really good spirits. We have a lot of community support for the people on the water, on the land and of course for the families."

Paone said those families are "basically on standby."

"I think, like anyone in this situation, you can't really put words to how the families are doing but there's quite a bit of community support here and I know the families are well looked after and there's a lot of love."

Paonesaid other First Nations, the District ofTofinoand businessesin town have been sending fooddonationsforsearchers and the families.

'Really good guys'

RCMPhave confirmed the vessel was a small "tin"boat, but officials have released no details about who was in the open boat or where they are from.

AhousahtChief Greg Louie said he was told the missing boaters are fishermen from another First Nations community in the area.

Simon Allison, who's lived inTofinofor over 13 years, made the first 911 call after he woke up to the sound of screaming in the middle of the night.

Hesaid he knows two of the people who are still missing.

"Really good guys," he said. "I can't stress just how much impact this is going to have on the community."

In a statement, TofinoMayor Josie Osborne said the districtis "hoping and praying for the best."

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