BC Fishing Community Spotlight: Captain Pete Matthews Rescues Two Boaters Off Hornby Island

Sometimes the most memorable days on the water have nothing to do with the fish.

On the morning of July 6, 2026, Captain Pete Matthews of Wild West Sport Fishing departed Comox Harbour with five clients for what was expected to be a routine salmon fishing charter. Before reaching the fishing grounds, a mayday call came over the marine radio reporting that a small vessel was taking on water near Hornby Island.

Without hesitation, Captain Matthews spoke with his guests, turned his 27-foot charter boat toward the emergency, and pushed through rough seas and whitecaps to assist.

As updates came over the radio, the situation became even more serious. The boat had sunk completely, leaving two people in the water. With hypothermia becoming a growing concern, every minute mattered.

Working alongside the Canadian Coast Guard and other emergency responders, Captain Matthews searched the area until the stranded boaters were located and safely rescued.

The incident serves as a powerful reminder that the boating community looks after one another. Whether you're a charter captain, recreational angler, commercial fisherman, or weekend boater, helping those in distress has always been part of life on the water.

At BC Fish Gear, we'd like to recognize Captain Pete Matthews and the team at Wild West Sport Fishing for their professionalism, courage, and willingness to put others first. Their actions are a reflection of the values shared throughout British Columbia's fishing community.

Congratulations, Pete, on a job exceptionally well done. Your quick thinking and leadership helped make a life-saving difference, and we're proud to recognize you as part of our BC fishing community.

As always, we encourage everyone heading onto the water to wear a properly fitted life jacket, carry the required safety equipment, monitor marine weather conditions, and keep a VHF radio on board. Preparedness and teamwork save lives.

From everyone at BC Fish Gear, thank you, Captain Pete Matthews, for reminding us what being part of the BC fishing community is all about.