Sunshine Coast RCMP say the man who died when a fire broke out aboard the Pacific Challenge in Whiskey Slough last week was in his 60s and originally from Ontario.
The man’s body was found Dec. 7 after the fire on the vessel was extinguished by firefighters, who got the call around 7:30 that morning. His name has not been released.
The cause of death has not been confirmed, but police said smoke inhalation is suspected. They also believe the man had been living on the boat, with permission from the owner, for a few weeks.
The fire itself was likely caused by unsafe wiring for a heater the man was using.
RCMP have pointed to the incident as example of the dangerous situations that can arise when people are unable to find appropriate housing.
It’s unclear how many people who are either homeless or in precarious housing situations have been living aboard boats on the Sunshine Coast.
