The RCAF Marine Section fought the west coast weather on the same level as their fellow airmen did in their Sharks and Stranraers, and also lost comrades in the unfathomable darkness of the ocean. However, unlike the Aircrews, the Marine crews could only hope that they wouldn't be confronted by the enemy. On July 23, 1943 the Marine Squadron was stunned by a tragic incident. The cause - weather, enemy action or human error - was never satisfactorily determined.
On July 23, 1943, the M-427 BC Star, a 70-ton seine fishing boat in service with the RCAF, left Bella Bella enroute to the Radar Station under construction atCape St. James in the Queen Charlotte Islands. Information regarding the movement of this type of marine vessel was classified and all communications were coded. Lacking the necessary cypher equipment at the partially completed Station, No. 28 (RU) had no way of knowing that the supply boat was on its way. The Star and her 10 man crew were delivering a cargo of 43 tons of gravel and cement and also had six passengers on board: one RAF airman, and five No. 9 CMU personnel assigned to the construction project.
Ten days later a shortage of building material prompted the construction crew to radio a query about the next shipment of supplies. Only then did anyone realize that the BC Star was missing. An intense sea and air search covered a wide area during the next several weeks, but only three bodies were recovered, and very little wreckage was found. Evidently the Star had sunk quickly as no life boats were launched and no distress signals were sent.
Speculation and rumours circulated about the vessel being attacked by a Japanese submaribe, and this information was enhanced by crewmembers aboard another RCAF Marine vessel inbound to Alliford Bay. They reported that they were listening to a Ketchikan Alaska radio station when its programme was interrupted by a strange and unidentified transmission "Star.. out of bread and water.. Alliford repeat message.. Thank you.. Good afternoon". However, no conclusive evidence ever came to light that explained why the Star went down.About This Page
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Updated: January 16, 2004