Kelowna

Residents living near Sutherland Bay awoke to the sight of an overturned houseboat Saturday morning.

Photo: Grant Scott

City of Kelowna By-law Officers were on hand Saturday morning after a houseboat flipped over in Sutherland Bay.

The cause of the incident is still unknown, however with strong winds and rough waters on Lake Okanagan, weather conditions likely played a part.

The craft was leaking fuel, as evidenced by the slick trailing from the boat towards shore, and the strong smell of fuel in the air. Due to the extremely rough conditions, there was no way to contain the spill.

City of Kelowna By-law Officer Len Ingvarsson was on the scene and he says there are some environmental concerns with the fuel spill and that the city is working to take steps to rectify the situation, including contacting the owner.

"Unfortunately, we haven't been able to run the hull number, due to the fact that Transport Canada is closed on the weekend."

Officials believe the houseboat was empty at the time of the incident and, while listing heavily to one side, seemed relatively stable and not sinking further below the surface.

Until weather conditions improve, no attempt will be made to try and approach the craft.