SURVIVORS of a Canadian boating tragedy which killed a Hampshire grandad are suing for negligence, claiming passengers were thrown about like they were in a “washing machine”.

Nigel Hooker, 63, from Hedge End, was one of six killed when a whale-watching vessel capsized in October.

Raveshan Pillay, the boyfriend of daughter Danielle Hooker, also died after slipping from her grasp.

German survivors Christian and Dirk Barchfeld have filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of all passengers, claiming the captain and operator were reckless to go out in treacherous conditions off the coast of Tofino, British Columbia.

Comparing the capsizing of the Leviathan II to a scene from a film, the lawsuit describes how victims were thrown underwater when the boat was struck and desperately tried to escape.

Most passengers were on a port-side viewing platform at the time, leaving the boat off balance, according to investigators.

Christian reportedly said he was on the inside lower deck when a rogue wave struck, telling how he was “thrown about the cabin as though he were in a washing machine.”

He was allegedly left in chest-high and rising water, trying to smash doors and windows to reach safety.

The Barchfelds are seeking damages and say they have been left with post-traumatic stress disorder.

As reported by the Daily EchoDaily Echo last year, relatives flew from Hampshire to the small Canadian town while investigators searched for Mr Pillay’s body.

A spokeswoman for operator Jamie’s Whaling Station told the Canadian Broadcasting Company: “We have no reason to believe the crew or operators were in any way negligent.”

She said the company will continue to help those affected, declining further comment on the ongoing legal proceedings.

The accident is being investigated by the Canadian Transportation Safety Board.