At least five people have been killed after a whale-watching boat sunk off the coast of British Columbia in Canada.
The vessel sank near Tofino on Vancouver Island, coastguard and rescue officials said.
Associated Press and AFP reported that there were 27 people on board.
Rescue officials quoted by Canadian media said at least five people had died and eight were taken to hospital. The five dead are reportedly all Britons.
The boat was reported to be operated by Jamie’s Whaling Station and Adventure Centers.
The 65-ft whale-watching boat Leviathan II can carry up to 46 people.
The company’s website said its whale-watching tours were finishing for the season on October 31, and that it had been operating for 30 years.
Reports said seas near Tofino were calm and the weather sunny when the boat sank and it is not yet known what caused the accident.
Tofino is a popular destination for tourists looking to spot humpback and Pacific Gray whales, with trips usually lasting up to three hours.