Chinese refugees put overboard off B.C. coast

Ship's crew captured trying to flee

The Queen Charlotte Islands

VANCOUVER -- Some of the details were different, but the bottom line was another boatload of illegal migrants from the Chinese province of Fujian landing on the West Coast of British Columbia.

After a game of cat and mouse on the high seas with Canadian authorities, an unmarked cargo ship dumped about 150 men, women and children into cold, choppy waters near the beach at remote Gilbert Bay on the west coast of Kunghit Island, the southernmost in the Queen Charlotte chain.

This time, the vessel attempted flight after letting its human cargo off near the shore.

That contrasts with the boat that arrived off Vancouver Island near Gold River last month with 123 Fujian refugee claimants on board, which was a listing rustbucket.

But latest smugglers' vessel -- which Customs and Immigration Canada said is believed to be of Korean origin -- was persuaded to heave to by Department of National Defence aircraft after it had travelled 80 kilometres and was back in international waters.

Shortly afterward, the RCMP vessel Inkster -- one of four ships in the operation -- landed a 12-man emergency response team onto the mystery boat. Once aboard, the RCMP arrested eight crew members -- also believed to be Korean -- and seized the boat without resistance. Customs and Immigration wouldn't say where the vessel will be taken, but it's likely to either Port Hardy or Prince Rupert.

The second such incident in the span of a month had Immigration Minister Elinor Caplan saying she would look at toughening government policies regarding human smuggling.

"I am examining our legistlative proposals in light of these troubling incidents," said Ms. Caplan.

Although rumours are swirling that more boats of migrants may already be on their way from China, Lt.-Cmdr. Chris Henderson of the DND said: "I have no information about a third or fourth ship."

Still, Canadian taxpayers will have to foot another bill, similar to that of the previous group. George Varnai, the regional director for Customs and Immigration Canada said the cost -- just to to his organization -- for last month's operation was about $200,000.

Canadian authorities didn't witness it because of fog, but the group of 150 was apparently forced to swim several metres through chilly water to reach the beach at Gilbert Bay. According to the Coast Guard, all were wearing life jackets. But Mr. Varnai said there were no medical concerns.

"There was no immediate cause for alarm," said Mr. Varnai. "There was no need for medical evacuation."

Unlike the migrants that arrived last month, this group contained many more women and children, Mr. Varnai said.

"Unlike the boat last month which didn't have any small children, this one had a number of women and up to 20 small children in the 3-4-5 year old range."

There were questions as to why the boat wasn't challenged before it got so close to Gilbert Bay, but RCMP spokesman Cpl. Frank Henley said that fog and heavy chop made the logistics difficult.

"It was very difficult to navigate in that weather and we couldn't see them in the fog," he said. Cpl. Henley also said there was no evidence of drugs or weapons on the ship, which entered Canadian waters early yesterday morning.

The migrants' destination will initially be Port Hardy from where they'll be taken to the same converted CFB Esquimalt gymnasium that was occupied by their countrymen last month.

"We're unlocking the door and turning the lights back on," said Lt.-Cmdr. Henderson.