KELOWNA, British Columbia (From The Daily Courier) -- The Tolko mill in Kelowna has partially resumed operations following the sinking of one of its tugboats that killed an employee last week.

On Jan. 30, police received a call from Tolko employees reporting one of their commercial tugboats had sunk near Manhattan Point in Kelowna.

The body of the tugboat operator, identified by Tolko as Ivor Lundin, was found inside the vessel early the next morning.

A funeral for Lundin was held Tuesday in West Kelowna.

"Mr. Lundin was a well-liked, 24-year employee of the mill," said Troy Connolly, senior general manager, lumber. "Everyone at the Kelowna operation has been deeply affected by his loss, and our thoughts and sympathies remain with his family and friends."

Tolko resumed land-only operations at the mill on Friday, he said.

"(We) have been focused on supporting our employees who have been impacted by this unfortunate event."

Employee and family assistance plan representatives have been on site supporting employees, and management staff have met with affected employees individually, said Connolly.

"We have conducted crew talks with all employees as well," he said. "Our No. 1 objective now is ensuring we can get people back to work safely while working through this investigation process."

Several agencies are conducting investigations into this incident, including WorkSafeBC, Transportation Safety Board, BC Coroners Service, the RCMP and Tolko.

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