Frigate HMCS Regina helps RCMP seize ship off west coast

Appears to be people smuggling:

76 illegal migrants found on ship seized off B.C.
Barefoot, bare-chested individuals on board say destination was Canada

Passengers on board the Ocean Lady raise their hands in a photo taken Oct. 17, 2009 from a helicopter and released by the RCMP, which obscured the migrants' faces.

RCMP HANDOUT/REUTERS

VICTORIA–Illegal migrants who were attempting to enter Canada off the northern coast of B.C. on board a rusty cargo ship were taken into custody by RCMP and immigration officials late Saturday after their vessel was tracked for at least two days after entering Canadian waters.

The merchant vessel called the Ocean Lady, with no visible numbers or flags flying, was seized and boarded by RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency Saturday afternoon.

Assistant RCMP Commissioner Al MacIntyre said that on Friday afternoon, the naval vessel HMCS Regina approached the Ocean Lady in waters near Port Renfrew and an armed emergency response team boarded it and took control.

Accompanied by a Canadian Forces helicopter and a navy frigate as well as two RCMP vessels, the Ocean Lady was guided into the cruise ship terminal of Ogden Point near downtown Victoria Saturday...

In Ottawa, Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan told reporters that there were preliminary indications the ship originated in Sri Lanka though he added that information has not been confirmed.

"An RCMP emergency response team trained in maritime intervention boarded and took control of the vessel," Van Loan said...

The Regina and two RCMP vessels, the Higgitt and Lindsay [see Vessels here, look pretty capable], followed the vessel into the cruise ship terminal and the two RCMP vessels remained in position behind the Ocean Lady Saturday night as the migrants were led off...

Global TV video here (via Spotlight on Military News and International Affairs). Photo of one RCMP vessel:

Royal Canadian Mounted Police boat the MV Higgitt on the Fraser during the peak flood season.

Update: Pictures of the Regina's operation here, here and here (via Duncan Ayre).