Three people were sent to hospital after an explosion on a sailboat in Deep Bay marina.

B.C. Emergency Health Services says they were called to the 5400 block of Deep Bay Road at 10:09 a.m. on Thursday.

Debris was in the water but most of the flames were out when crews arrived.

Two of the victims were airlifted to hospital, the other by road.

Deep Bay fire Chief George Lenz said a sailboat exploded with three people on board, causing extensive damage, but he did not yet know the cause, though propane was suspected.