Fewer ship deaths, more drowningsUpdated 17 October 2026
Trend summary
- Deaths on Canada’s commercial vessels have fallen, but fishing remains the most dangerous work on the water, and drownings on lakes and rivers have risen.
- The Transportation Safety Board recorded 257 commercial marine accidents in 2025 and 6 deaths, against a 10-year average of 15.
- Fishing boats made up 10 of the 13 vessels lost in 2025. Since 2010, commercial fishing has cost 143 lives.
- Drowning deaths reached 560 in 2022, the highest in a decade of data; boating was involved in about one in five.
6marine-accident deaths, 2025 (10-year average 15)
257commercial marine accidents, 2025
10 of 13vessels lost in 2025 that were fishing boats
560drowning deaths in Canada, 2022
What the numbers show
The TSB’s 2025 marine statistics count 257 accidents, up from 213 in 2024 but close to the 10-year average of 267, and six deaths, three of them in commercial fishing. In 2024, fishing accounted for 10 of the 12 marine deaths. The fishing-vessel accident rate rose to 6.5 per 1,000 active vessels in 2025, above the average of 5.2.
The TSB does not count recreational boating. For that, the Lifesaving Society reports 560 unintentional drowning deaths in 2022 (1.4 per 100,000), up from 466 in 2013. People aged 65 and over had the highest rate.
What is driving it
Commercial fishing has been on the TSB Watchlist for years: boats modified without stability checks, lifejackets and immersion suits not worn, people working alone or in bad weather, and uneven oversight by Transport Canada. For recreational boaters, the Canadian Red Cross estimates that 50-85% of boating deaths could have been prevented by a lifejacket; alcohol was involved in at least 43% of deaths among people over 15.
The Titan investigation exposed another gap: the TSB found Transport Canada exercised no oversight of the submersible and issued six recommendations (TSB).
Recent cases
- 17 June 2026: the TSB releases its final report on the June 2023 Titan submersible implosion, which killed five people (TSB).
- 4 November 2025: the TSB reports on the fatal sinking of the fishing vessel Silver Condor near La Tabatière, Quebec, and calls for a stronger safety culture (TSB).
- 23 July 2025: the TSB opens a national investigation into vessel fires after the 2022 Holiday Island ferry fire off Prince Edward Island (TSB).
Press releases and official reports, 2023–2026
Five key releases a year for the last four years, newest first. Most come from federal departments and agencies, the Transportation Safety Board, Statistics Canada and provincial governments; a few news and trade reports are included where they are the clearest public record of an event. Releases from 2007–2022 are in the expandable list after 2023.
2026
- 15 Oct 2026Canadian Coast GuardThe Canadian Coast Guard celebrates milestone in Canadian shipbuilding with dedication of CCGS Baie de Gaspé
- 6 Jul 2026TSBTSB releases 2025 annual transportation occurrence statistics
- 17 Jun 2026TSBTitan submersible operated without oversight
- 2 Jun 2026Transport CanadaSafety measures concerning life-saving appliances – SSB No.: 09/2026
- 10 Apr 2026Transport CanadaNew vessel stability e-course for Canadian seafarers – SSB No.: 04/2026
2025
- 4 Nov 2025TSBFatal Silver Condor sinking highlights need for improved safety culture in commercial fishing
- 15 Oct 2025TSBTSB WATCHLIST: Stronger action on persistent transportation safety issues is needed
- 27 Aug 2025TSBTSB releases report into 2023 vessel fire near Pelee Island, Ontario
- 23 Jul 2025TSBTSB launches national safety investigation into vessel fires and response following Holiday Island ferry fire
- 10 Jul 2025TSBTSB concerned about lack of requirements for pleasure craft operator certification in high-traffic waterways
2024
- 21 Nov 2024TSBSevere weather conditions contributed to the sinking of a fishing vessel near Canso, Nova Scotia
- 12 Sep 2024TSBWind, sea conditions, and cumulative effects of modifications led to passenger vessel capsizing in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
- 19 Aug 2024TSBTSB issues three recommendations following investigation into ferry collision with dock at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal
- 31 Jul 2024TSBTSB concerned about Canada's marine emergency preparedness following investigation into a fire aboard container vessel ZIM Kingston
- 26 Apr 2024TSBVessel design and level of emergency preparedness contributed to loss of life near St. John’s Harbour
2023
- 7 Dec 2023TSBTSB recommends a review of the gap in oversight of occupational health and safety on fishing vessels registered in Canada's North
- 22 Nov 2023TSBTSB issues three safety recommendations following the investigation into the 2021 sinking of the Tyhawk
- 28 Jun 2023TSBTSB update on investigation into the occurrence involving the support vessel Polar Prince and the submersible Titan
- 22 Mar 2023TSBIndustry-wide surveillance issue identified in 2020 sinking of the fishing vessel Chief William Saulis
- 8 Mar 2023TSBTSB issues four safety recommendations following investigation into 2021 sinking of the tug Ingenika
View 20 years of major Canadian marine safety press releases (2007–2026)77 more from 2007–2022, up to five a year, newest first
2022
- 8 Nov 2022TSBInsufficient maintenance and the absence of regulatory surveillance contributed to the fatal sinking of the Arctic Fox II near Bamfield, British Columbia
- 22 Jun 2022TSBInvestigation report: Fatal sinking of the unregistered fishing vessel Island Lady in September 2021
- 21 Jun 2022TSBWeakened hardware, improper securement led to accidental release and injuries during lifeboat drill in British Columbia
- 18 May 2022TSBTSB calls for improved coordination between federal departments to improve safety of commercial fishing in Canada
- 2 Mar 2022TSBPoor battery maintenance contributed to the explosion on the tug Risco Warrior in Bute Inlet, British Columbia
2021
- 23 Sep 2021TSBFatal sinking of the Captain Jim in 2019 attributed to compromised stability following vessel modifications
- 21 May 2021TSBTSB calls for mandatory risk mitigation measures for passenger vessels operating in Canadian Arctic
- 29 Apr 2021TSBPassenger ferry Deer Island Princess II made bottom contact near Letete, NB, as a result of safety management deficiencies
- 24 Feb 2021TSBSinking of Atlantic Sapphire highlights recurring safety deficiencies in the commercial fishing industry
- 8 Feb 2021TSBInvestigation report: July 2020 sinking and loss of life aboard a small fishing vessel near Sally’s Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador
2020
- 12 Nov 2020TSBInvestigation report: January 2020 fire on board a fishing vessel in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 15 Oct 2020TSBInvestigation report: April 2019 capsizing of a fishing vessel in Bayfield, Nova Scotia
- 29 Jun 2020TSBInvestigation report: May 2018 capsizing of a fishing vessel in Port Medway, Nova Scotia
- 30 Apr 2020TSBTSB issues three safety concerns following bottom contact of the passenger vessel Island Queen III near Kingston, Ontario in 2017
- 19 Feb 2020TSBOctober 2017 sudden release of passenger ferry Northern Ranger lifeboat during testing caused by improperly reset release hook
2019
- 27 Dec 2019TSBInformal practices contributed to August 2018 emergency drill accident on the Spirit of Vancouver Island ferry
- 22 Nov 2019Canadian Coast GuardAnnual closure of Canadian Coast Guard seasonal search and rescue stations
- 1 Nov 2019TSBInvestigation report: Striking of a wharf
- 4 Sep 2019Canadian Coast GuardCanadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat Crews Wrap up 2019 Operations
- 29 Jul 2019TSBIncorrect securement led to 2018 rescue boat fall from British Columbia ferry
2018
- 18 Jun 2018TSBInadequate stability information led to the March 2017 capsizing and sinking of the fishing vessel Miss Cory in British Columbia
- 31 May 2018TSBTSB issues new recommendations to reduce the risk of fatigue in the marine industry
- 15 May 2018TSBModifications to sports fishing vessel led to partial sinking and loss of life near Tofino, BC, in April 2017
- 14 May 2018TSBInvestigation report: Capsizing near Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, May 2017
- 4 Jan 2018TSBInsufficient passage planning and lookout for hazards contributed to the 2016 grounding of the eco-tourism vessel Stellar Sea in Warn Bay, British Columbia
2017
- 6 Dec 2017Canadian Coast GuardThe Government of Canada names new Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue lifeboat for Atlantic region
- 2 Nov 2017Canadian Coast GuardNew federal training program builds on marine emergency response in Indigenous communities on B.C. coast
- 26 Jul 2017TSBTSB recommends mandatory safety measures following investigation into 2016 fatal capsizing of a fishing vessel near Salmon Beach, New Brunswick
- 14 Jun 2017TSBTSB recommends improved passenger vessel safety measures following investigation into the fatal 2015 Leviathan II capsizing off Vancouver Island, British Columbia
- 6 Apr 2017TSBNeed for stronger emergency preparedness requirements and vessel design highlighted in February 2016 flooding of the fishing vessel Saputi in Davis Strait, Nunavut
2016
- 14 Dec 2016TSBStability and PFD issues led to September 2015 commercial fishing fatalities off the west coast of Vancouver Island
- 29 Sep 2016TSBCruise passenger's unsafe behaviour and intoxication led to person-overboard fatality in Toronto, Ontario, in 2015
- 2 Aug 2016TSBWatchlist issues again highlighted in fatal small fishing vessel accident in June 2015 in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 28 Jun 2016TSBAn ice floe and delays in responding led to the April 2015 grounding of bulk carrier CWB Marquis near Beauharnois, Quebec
- 28 Apr 2016TSBSignificant safety deficiencies identified in the April 2015 fire and sinking of the fishing vessel Frederike. C-2 off Rimouski, Quebec
2015
- 24 Nov 2015TSBWatchlist issue highlighted in August 2014 fire and abandonment involving passenger vessel La Relève II
- 30 Oct 2015TSBLatest information about the TSB investigation into the accident involving the passenger vessel Leviathan II
- 27 Oct 2015TSBUpdate about the TSB investigation into the accident involving the passenger vessel Leviathan II near Tofino, British Columbia
- 26 Oct 2015TSBTSB launches investigation into the accident involving the passenger vessel Leviathan II near Tofino, British Columbia
- 11 May 2015TSBSteering control issues a factor in the April 2014 grounding of tanker Halit Bey off Grondines, Quebec
2014
- 13 Nov 2014TSBMarine Investigation Report M13M0102: Grounding and subsequent sinking, Small fishing vessel Marie J, Tabusintac Bay, New Brunswick
- 2 Oct 2014TSBMarine Investigation Report M13L0067: Grounding, Passenger vessel Louis Jolliet, Off Sainte-Pétronille, Île d'Orléans, Quebec
- 25 Jun 2014TSBMarine Investigation Report M13N0014: Capsizing of tow and accidental death, Tug Western Tugger and barge Arctic Lift I, 33 nautical miles southwest of Burgeo, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 19 Jun 2014TSBMarine Investigation Report M13N0001: Loss of tow, Tug Charlene Hunt with passenger vessel Lyubov Orlova, Off Cape Race, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 10 Mar 2014TSBMarine Investigation Report M12C0058: Grounding, Roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel Jiimaan, Approaching Kingsville Harbour, Ontario
2013
- 10 Jun 2013TSBVessel stability, fisheries resource management, training, and unsafe work practices contributed to May 2012 prawn fishing vessel capsizing
- 9 Apr 2013TSBMarine Investigation Report M11N0047: Striking, supply vessel Maersk Detector and mobile offshore drilling unit GSF Grand Banks, Grand Banks of Newfoundland
- 7 Feb 2013TSBMarine Investigation Report M11L0160: Grounding, Bulk Carrier Orsula, Battures de Gentilly, Bécancour, Quebec
2012
- 20 Aug 2012TSBMarine Investigation Report M11L0050: Taking on water and abandonment, Small fishing vessel Lady Jacqueline, Off Cap du Phare, Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec
- 24 Jul 2012TSBMarine Investigation Report M11W0063: Fire and Sinking, Small fishing vessel Neptune II, Broken Islands, Johnstone Strait, British Columbia
- 28 Jun 2012TSBMarine transportation safety issue investigation M09Z0001: Safety issue investigation (SII), Fishing safety in Canada
- 16 May 2012TSBMarine Investigation Report M11M0017: Crew Member Lost Overboard, Small fishing vessel Silver Angel, 5.5 nautical miles SW of Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia
- 18 Apr 2012TSBMarine Investigation Report M10H0006: Grounding, Passenger vessel Clipper Adventurer, Coronation Gulf, Nunavut
2011
- 7 Sep 2011TSBMarine Investigation Report M10C0043: Grounding, passenger vessel River Rouge, Quarry Rapids, Red River, North of Winnipeg, Manitoba
- 7 Jul 2011TSBMarine Investigation Report M10F0003: Knockdown and capsizing, Sail training yacht Concordia, 300 miles SSE off Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- 2 Jun 2011TSBMarine Investigation Report M09W0193: Striking, Bulk Carrier Petersfield, Douglas Channel, British Columbia
- 26 May 2011TSBMarine Investigation Report M10L0074: Grounding, Small Passenger Vessel Le Survenant III, Sorel, Quebec
2010
- 29 Sep 2010TSBMarine Investigation Report M09L0068: Capsizing, Rescue boat 1815, Off Sainte-Thérèse Island, Montréal, Quebec
- 16 Sep 2010TSBMarine Investigation Report M09N0031: Taking on water and sinking, Small fishing vessel Sea Gypsy Enterprises, 67 nm East of Cape Spear, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 22 Jun 2010TSBMarine Investigation Report M09W0147: Bottom Contact and Subsequent Sinking, Passenger Vessel Explorathor, Gulf Islands, British Columbia
- 14 Jun 2010TSBMarine Investigation Report M10M0014: Capsizing and sinking, Small fishing vessel Craig and Justin, Off Margaree Harbour, Nova Scotia
- 5 Jan 2010TSBMarine Investigation Report M09M0073: Taking on water and sinking, Small fishing vessel Pubnico Explorer, 11 nm Southwest of Cape St. Marys, Nova Scotia
2009
- 26 Aug 2009TSBMarine Investigation Report M08C0058: Capsizing and subsequent sinking, Workboat Bonnie Mouse, off George Island, Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba
- 20 Aug 2009TSBMarine Investigation Report M08W0236: Near capsizing with loss of life, SeaLander 37 landing craft Jumbo B, Burke Channel, Restoration Bay, British Columbia
- 29 Jul 2009TSBMarine Investigation Report M08W0189: Capsizing and subsequent sinking, Small fishing vessel Love and Anarchy, West Coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia
- 26 Mar 2009TSBMarine Investigation Report M07C0034: Engine room fire, Sail training vessel Fair Jeanne, Off Amherst Island, Lake Ontario, Ontario
- 2 Mar 2009TSBThe Transportation Safety Board of Canada will Hold a Media Availability to Release Two Marine Investigation Reports
2008
- 26 Nov 2008TSBRelease of TSB Report
- 21 Aug 2008TSBMarine Investigation Report M06N0074: Sinking with loss of life, Small fishing vessel Lannie & Sisters II, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 21 Aug 2008TSBMarine Investigation Report M06W0039: Sinking and loss of life, Small fishing vessel B.C. Safari, Near Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
- 24 Jul 2008TSBMarine Investigation Report M06F0024: Crew member lost overboard, Sail training vessel Picton Castle, 376 nm SSE of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
- 4 Mar 2008TSBThe Transportation Safety Board of Canada Releases its Final Investigation Report into the sinking of the Queen of the North
2007
- 6 Sep 2007TSBMarine Investigation Report M05W0090: Capsizing and loss of life, Pleasure craft Quintana Roo, Kelowna, British Columbia
- 13 Jun 2007TSBMarine Investigation Report M04W0034: Capsizing and loss of life, Small fishing vessel Hope Bay, Queen Charlotte Soun, British Columbia
- 7 Jun 2007Canadian Coast GuardCanadian Coast Guard Launches Rescue and Prevention Activities in Quebec Sectors
- 29 May 2007TSBMarine Investigation Report M05N0072: Capsizing and loss of life, Small fishing vessel Melina & Keith II, Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, 70 nm E
- 24 May 2007TSBMarine Investigation Report M05W0111: Loss of propulsion, subsequent striking of berthed pleasure craft and grounding, Roll-on / roll-off ferry Queen of Oak Bay, Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia
Some early years list fewer than five items. Many Canadian government releases from that period are no longer online at their original addresses, and we only list items we could open and check. Where a page shows no date, the date comes from the release address or the publisher’s own index.
Photo list
How this page is built. Figures come from the official statistical releases linked above; where agencies publish provisional numbers we say so, because they are revised. Canadian statistics are often collected by provinces and territories, and some national series run several years behind, so we say which area and year each figure covers. Photos are public-domain or Creative Commons images credited in each caption; file photos are illustrative and are not from the events described unless the caption says so. This page tracks trends and is not personal safety, medical, legal or financial advice.