On 11/6/1997 , the vessel MERILDA II (Official Number 175719) was involved in a sank - flooding in NEAR TIBBS ISLAND, RUSSELL CHANNEL, B.C.,.

The vessel, with 1 persons on board, experienced the incident while engaged in regular operations. There were 0 injuries and fatalities were reported, and there was minor pollution.

Troller struck rocks and capsized. Crewman escaped though window and rescued 2 hours later suffering from mild hypothermia and taken to Tofino hospital. Vessel believed to have sunk.. Damage to the vessel was indicated as TOTAL LOSS

Weather at the time was reported as clear. This incident was officially recorded by Transport Canada on 1/21/1998 .