A lighthouse keeper’s death at Triple Island near Prince Rupert prompts federal investigations into staffing and safety protocols.

Tragedy at Sea: Death of Isolated Lighthouse Keeper Prompts Safety Review

A Remote Outpost, a Sole Keeper, and Unanswered Calls

In a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who safeguard Canada’s coasts, a federal investigation is underway after an on-duty lighthouse keeper was found dead and alone at the Triple Island Light Station, 40 kilometres west of Prince Rupert, B.C. The incident, which occurred during a shift change in April, has raised urgent questions about safety protocols and staffing at one of the country’s most remote marine outposts.

The Final Shift: What Happened at Triple Island

Triple Island Lighthouse, perched on a rugged islet and operational since 1920, is vital for guiding marine traffic along B.C.’s northern coast and supporting deep-sea navigation to and from Prince Rupert. The station is typically staffed by two keepers on rotating shifts, a system designed to ensure safety and operational continuity in such an isolated environment.

However, during the April shift change, only one keeper was left on duty. When the Canadian Coast Guard was unable to reach him by radio, a helicopter was dispatched for a welfare check. The keeper was discovered unresponsive, and emergency services later pronounced him dead.

Investigations Focus on Staffing and Safety Compliance

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Coast Guard personnel responded to the scene, but the case was quickly turned over to Employment and Social Development Canada. The federal agency is now examining whether the Coast Guard complied with the Canada Labour Code, which mandates federally regulated employers to protect the health and safety of their workers.

WorkSafeBC confirmed the incident falls outside its jurisdiction, as it occurred at a federal facility.

Union and Community Call for Answers

The tragedy has deeply affected the lighthouse community. Jim Abram, a retired keeper and former union president, emphasized that remote stations like Triple Island are never meant to be staffed by a single individual. “Remote and isolated stations should never be managed by just one individual; this has been the standard for as long as I have served as a keeper,” Abram said.

He noted that the usual rotation involves two keepers, and expressed concern that only one was present during the shift change. The Coast Guard has yet to explain why this occurred, but the investigation is expected to clarify the circumstances.

The Human Toll and the Path Forward

The loss has left the remaining keepers devastated, highlighting the emotional and professional toll such incidents can take on those who serve in isolation. The Coast Guard has offered condolences and support to the keeper’s family and colleagues, pledging to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.

As the probe continues, the spotlight remains on ensuring that Canada’s lighthouse keepers-guardians of the coast-are never left to face danger alone.

Florida Panthers crush Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 5, taking a 3-2 series lead and pushing the Leafs to the brink of playoff elimination.

Panthers Crush Leafs in Game 5 Rout

The Toronto Maple Leafs are teetering on the edge of playoff elimination after a crushing 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 of their second-round series. What started as a promising 2-0 series lead for Toronto has now unraveled into a 3-2 deficit, with Florida seizing complete momentum.

Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stood tall with 31 saves, while six different Panthers found the back of the net in a dominant performance that silenced the Scotiabank Arena crowd.

Boqvist Steps Up, Bobrovsky Stays Hot

Jesper Boqvist, inserted into the lineup after two games as a healthy scratch, delivered with a goal and an assist. He was supported by goals from Aaron Ekblad, Dmitry Kulikov, Niko Mikkola, A.J. Greer, and Sam Bennett.

Bobrovsky’s impressive shutout streak—spanning 143 minutes and 25 seconds—was only broken in the final minute of regulation by Nick Robertson, offering the Leafs little more than a consolation.

Toronto’s Collapse Raises Alarm Bells

After a promising start to the series, the Leafs have now dropped three consecutive games, struggling to generate offensive rhythm and defensive consistency. Goalie Joseph Woll allowed five goals on 25 shots before being pulled in favor of Matt Murray, who hadn’t played postseason hockey since 2020.

The shift in momentum was evident early, with Florida dominating puck possession and dictating play throughout.

Marner’s Costly Mistake, Lineup Shifts

A pivotal moment came in the second period when Mitch Marner’s errant pass was intercepted, leading to Boqvist’s goal. Marner, a pending unrestricted free agent, has faced scrutiny for his performance and leadership in critical playoff moments.

Toronto head coach Craig Berube responded by starting the fourth line in the third period, sending a not-so-subtle message to the team’s underperforming stars, including Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares.

Panthers Capitalize as Leafs Unravel

Florida padded its lead with Mikkola’s first playoff goal, followed by Greer and Bennett scoring in the third. Fans streamed out of the arena early, and frustration boiled over when a Matthews jersey was tossed onto the ice.

Game 6: Leafs Facing Elimination in Florida

The Leafs now head to Sunrise, Florida, for Game 6 on Friday night with their season on the line. A potential Game 7 would return to Toronto on Sunday—if the Leafs can regroup in time.

Injury Updates and Lineup Changes

Toronto made multiple lineup changes, including slotting in Robertson and David Kampf, while Calle Jarnkrok and Pontus Holmberg were scratched. Florida’s Boqvist replaced the injured Evan Rodrigues, who suffered an interference hit in Game 4.

Tensions Rise After Barkov Hit

Florida captain Aleksander Barkov was leveled from behind by Max Domi at the end of Game 4, prompting a fine and increased playoff intensity.

When asked about the hit, Barkov offered a cool response:

“I didn’t see it. It’s playoff hockey, so things happen.”