An elderly B.C. couple said they were shocked to see the only survivor of a capsized boat, who was reported to have swam for hours, staggering up their Sunshine Coast property over the weekend.
Ramona and Toni Kappmeier told CBC News that the woman couldn't stand anymore and was screaming and crying in shock. After giving her dry clothes and hot tea, they learned that the woman and her husband had been on a fishing trip when bad weather rolled in.
Jordan Patrick Beaudoin, 38, of Sechelt and his wife, identified by family as Shannon McBoyle, were on a five-metre boat near Texada Island on Saturday, said the RCMP.
"The couple encountered rough seas and inclement weather, and sought protection in a secluded bay," said Const. Tim Kenning in a news release. "Some time later, believing the seas were subsiding, the couple headed for home. Once again, they encountered rough seas and their boat began taking on water."
The boat capsized. Beaudoin insisted that his wife wear the only dry suit on board, his uncle, Leonard Beaudoin, told The Province.
McBoyle was reported to have swam for six hours in the 11 C degree water before she reached the shore — something the RCMP now question.
"The timeline is developing as to how long she spent in the water, but it was still a significant time so as to overcome odds and survive," Kenning told CBC.
Police say alcohol may have been a factor, reported The Province.
But McBoyle still had to hike across the island to find help, and was suffering from hypothermia when she reached the Kappmeiers' home.
Search crews found Beaudoin's body on Sunday evening. He was wearing a life jacket.
Beaudoin was an experienced boater who worked as a deckhand, reported The Vancouver Sun. Foul play is not suspected in his death, said police.
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