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Boating accident claims life of Sandspit man

Sandspit resident Alexander Ross, 67, died Saturday (Nov. 29) after a 14-foot aluminum vessel capsized near Cumshewa Inlet.
RCMP Sgt. Eric Stubbs said Mr. Ross and another Sandspit resident had left Moresby Camp earlier Saturday to check their prawn traps. During the day, the weather got worse, with high winds causing swells on the ocean. The boat was swamped by a wave and capsized, and the two men were left hanging onto their boat in the water for several hours. Both were wearing marine survival gear, Sgt. Stubbs said.
When the two residents failed to show up for a dinner party, he said, friends and family began a search. At around 8 pm Saturday, a Sandspit resident located the two men. The second man survived, although he was suffering from hypothermia. He was treated by local medical services and released, Sgt. Stubbs said.
On Sunday (Nov. 30), the Sandspit Auxiliary Coast Guard Unit recovered the vessel.
Foul play is not suspected, Sgt. Stubbs said. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.