Five Britons dead in Canada whale-watching capsize

Five Britons are confirmed to have died and one person remains missing after a whale-watching boat carrying 27 capsized near Vancouver Island, off Canada's Pacific coast.

 Rescuers called off the search early Monday after plucking 21 survivors from the water, Lieutenant Commander Desmond James of the Coast Guard's rescue center in the provincial capital Victoria, told AFP.

 In London Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the five deceased in Sunday's accident were British citizens.

 "It is with deep sadness that I can confirm five British nationals have lost their lives when the whale-watching boat they were on sank off western Canada on Sunday," Hammond said in a statement.

 "My thoughts are with the family and friends of all those affected by this terrible accident."

 Eighteen others have been hospitalized, several suffering from hypothermia, according to CBC news.

 The Leviathan II was some 12 kilometers (seven miles) off Tofino, a resort town on the western edge of Vancouver Island, when it sent out a distress call to say it was sinking, at around 5 pm (0000 GMT).

 Owned by Jamie's Whaling Station and Adventure Centres, the 20-meter (65-foot) cruise vessel was reportedly out on one of its last tours of the season, which ends October 31.

 For reasons yet unknown, the ship capsized in waters less than 10 meters (33 feet) deep, its bow remaining visible above water.

 Lifejackets, handbags, clothing and other personal effects could be seen floating nearby.