The recovery of the capsized fishing vessel on Okanagan Lake. (submitted photo/Brian Quiring)

By Liam Verster

Boat Recovered, Men Still Missing

Capsized boat recovered from Okanagan Lake

Aug 2, 2023 | 9:54 AM

The fishing vessel that sank over a week ago has been recovered from Okanagan Lake.

WorkSafe B.C. confirmed with Vernon Matters that the recovery of the capsized boat was complete as of the morning of Wednesday, August 2.

However, WorkSafe B.C. stated it would not be providing any specifics relating to the recovery, such as the condition of the vessel, the cause of the sinking, or if the captain’s body was on board.

The vessel overturned in the lake near Ellison Park during the late-night storm on July 24, and the captain of the boat went missing when the boat went down.

The captain, later identified as Travis Van Hill, has not been seen since. A GoFundMe has been set up to support his family.

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Also during the July 24 storm, a kayaker went missing on Kalamalka Lake and hasn’t been seen since.

The kayaker was later identified as 26 year old Eli Buruca, and was presumed to have drowned.

On Friday, July 28, Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) stated teams would be using underwater equipment to search the two lakes for the missing men. VSAR confirmed with Vernon Matters that shoreline and surface searches would continue through the week for the two missing men.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP also told Vernon Matters that the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team would be available to assist VSAR should the need arise.

VSAR has requested boaters on the local lakes give rescue teams at least 300 metres of space as they use specialized equipment to search for the missing men.