By Roy Kauffman

Generally, there is not a lot of chatter on the VHF in this part of British Columbia because, especially early in the season, there is next to no one in the area. But on this day, things were different.

A mayday call came over the VHF radio that a small seaplane carrying passengers had crash landed. The plane had been headed to Refuge Cove, on the southern end of West Redonda Island, which was only a few miles from us. Immediately, there was response from vessels near Refuge Cove and the rescue effort was underway. In addition to local boats offering to help, the BC Coast Guard was sending in a helicopter.

After a few minutes, the news on the radio was that the plane had “beached” - a nearly successful landing, but the plane ended up parked on the beach. Everyone on board the plane was alive and in the process of offloading.

The drama of all this over the VHF was palpable and, as mariners in close proximity with an ability to help, it was our obligation to monitor and call in to the BC Coast Guard with an offer of assistance if it was needed. But, it was quickly apparent that they had multiple boats in service. There were people already at the plane providing assistance. We monitored the radio in case we could help. The reports kept coming in, a few more details each time. We kept the volume up.

People at the Refuge Cove docks were quickly on the scene. A large boat that was nearby was able to take on the passengers, some with minor injuries. There was discussion of how to get the plane towed to the docks at Refuge Cove. In a short time, the emergency was under control. The Coast Guard worked together with vessels relaying messages over VHF to make arrangements for the passengers. The community of boaters rallied together and took care of the situation. It was great to hear the story unfold.

Photo credit: Refuge Cove - “A Sweet Haven in the Heart of Desolation Sound”

Information for Visitors to Refuge Cove

Refuge Cove is a fun place to visit and a great provisioning stop. Whimsical yet functional (their words!), it offers the only grocery store in a deep-water harbour in Desolation Sound. Overnight moorage is available, and short stays of under 4 hours are possible as space allows. They have a fuel dock and fresh water available on the docks. There is a small, well-stocked grocery store that offers marine hardware, souvenirs, local books, bait and tackle. The restaurant was closed during the 2020 season due to COVID, but will hopefully be able to reopen in 2021. Refuge Cove is open year round, but in the winter they are open for mail and fuel only (September 15th – May 31st Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 1pm-3pm).

If you are lucky enough to spend a good chunk of your time in Desolation Sound, it is a welcome stop to pull into Refuge Cove. In years past, there was even a resourceful entrepreneur with a small barge in the cove that accepted bagged garbage for a fee.