Swindon father and son among victims of Canada boat tragedy

David Thomas and son Stephen died when the 65ft-long Leviathan II went down off the coast of Vancouver Island. Credit: Swindon Advertiser

A father and son from Wiltshire are two of the victims who died after a whale watching boat sank off Tofino in Canada.

David Thomas, 50, and Stephen, 18, were among five British nationals who died when the 65ft-long Leviathan II went down off the coast of Vancouver Island.

Investigators from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) have begun their inquiry into what happened.

Stephen's mother Julie was among 21 people rescued from the stricken vessel, which was carrying 24 passengers and three crew. It's thought she is in hospital with minor injuries.

It's understood Stephen's brother, Paul Thomas, 22, a University of Nottingham student, flew out to Canada this afternoon.

David Thomas worked for Microsoft Credit: ITV News

Mr Thomas worked for Microsoft and the company have paid tribute to him

Emergency services at the waterside. Credit: RTV

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said his thoughts were with the family and friends of those affected by Sunday's incident, while Canadian prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau said he was "shocked and saddened" by the deaths.

5 British nationals died when he 65ft-long Leviathan II went down off the coast of Vancouver Island. Credit: Albert Titian/Facebook