An extensive search is underway for a missing unidentified 32-year-old man near Nanaimo River, say police.
The 32-year-old, whose name and photograph were not disclosed by law enforcement at the request of the family, is described as a 5-foot-10 thin-build Caucasian male.
According to a Nanaimo RCMP press release, shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 14, the man’s vehicle was discovered in a parking lot next to the Nanaimo River bridge with his phone, wallet and keys inside.
Mounties say shortly after locating the vehicle, Nanaimo Search and Rescue(NSAR) and RCMP Police Dog Services were contacted and began searching the immediate area including the Nanaimo River, but were unable to locate the man.
On the morning of Jan. 15, Mounties say search and rescue crews from nearby jurisdictions joined in the hunt for the missing man, bringing the number of search and rescue volunteers to approximately 70.
Additionally, two helicopters, a fast response vessel from the Cedar Volunteer Fire Hall and a SAR canine unit have also been brought in.
“There is roughly 11 kilometres of shoreline and water which makes up the Nanaimo River. The sheer size of the river compounded with the water levels and the current speed of the water is making for challenging search conditions,” Const. Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP, said in the press release.
Mounties say the 32-year-old man was last seen wearing a forest green sweater, tan pants and dark-coloured shoes. They also say his family is extremely concerned for his well-being and safety.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the man is asked to immediately contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.
CHEK News
