A wildlife-watching vessel operated by the same company whose boat sank last year, killing six people, ran aground near Tofino, B.C., early Saturday evening.

The Stellar Sea, operated by Jamie's Whaling Station, struck bottom and partially sank, according to a release from the Canadian Coast Guard.

The coast guard said none of the passengers on a bear-watching tour — the last one of the day — were harmed.

"While going at slow speed on a bear-watching tour, one of our vessels grounded late yesterday afternoon. This occurred on shallow, sheltered inside waters," said Jamie's Whaling Station spokeswoman Corene Inouye.

"All passengers were returned to Tofino safely."

Slow speed, sheltered waters

In a release, the company says the vessel was travelling at a slow speed at the time of the incident, on inside, sheltered waters in Clayoquot Sound — in Warn Bay — when the grounding occurred around 5:45 p.m. PT on Saturday.

There were 26 passengers onboard during the tour, as well as two Transport Canada-certified crew members.

The Stellar Sea, operated by Jamie's Whaling Station, ran aground late Saturday evening. (Jamie's Whaling Station)

"Because the vessel could not continue with its voyage, all passengers were transferred onto other company vessels that were in the vicinity and safely returned to Tofino," said the release.

"Refunds were provided to all passengers and some passengers were booked onto other tours [Sunday.]"

Jamie's Whaling Station says, despite the grounding, the vessel was, "not in danger of sinking, and none of the passengers or crew requested medical attention as a result of the incident."

TSB not investigating

As of Sunday evening, coast guard responders have not yet been able to remove the vessel.

A boom has been placed around it to contain any potential fuel spillage, but Emergency Management B.C. said the vessel does not appear to be leaking any fuel.

The Transportation Safety Board said, so far, it is not investigating the incident.

According to the tour company's website, the Stellar Sea holds 40 passengers and is typically used for bear watching and private charters.

Another vessel operated by Jamie's Whaling Station, the Leviathan II, sank in the same region almost a year ago, killing six people.

Jamie's Whaling Station said it was able to resume normal operations Sunday, and will use other boats while the Stellar Sea is repaired.