Body matching description of missing swimmer from Wreck Beach found; identity unconfirmed: RCMP

The VPD has found a body in the water on Third Beach, the University RCMP said at 4:30 p.m. Friday, but it is unconfirmed as to whether or not it is that of a man who went missing in the waters off Wreck Beach Thursday evening and is presumed drowned.

“University RCMP is aware that Vancouver Police have responded to the discovery of a body in the water on Third Beach,” Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said.

“While the body description matches the missing swimmer, confirmation of their identity has not yet been fully completed.

Clark went on to say the marine search has since been stood down.

VPD Sgt. Steve Addison says the body was found are 1:30 p.m. Friday, and he reiterates that it hasn’t been determined whether it is the man who went missing on Wreck Beach.

“The person has not yet been identified,” Addison says. “We are in contact with UBC RCMP, which is investigating the presumed drowning of a swimmer yesterday at Wreck Beach; however, we have not determined if the two cases are connected.”

The search began Thursday evening, broke for the night, and resumed Friday morning.

Crews were focusing their efforts along the shorelines at both Wreck and nearby Acadia beaches.

The University RCMP says helicopters, drones, and police dogs were out helping with the search, along with support from multiple other agencies.

Police say they were called shortly before 3:30 p.m. Thursday on a report of a swimmer in distress at the beach.

“A man was apparently in the water yelling for help and struggling to swim,” Mounties said.

“A bystander entered the water in an attempt to affect a rescue. Unfortunately, the rescuer had to return to shore to avoid succumbing to the waters themselves and bystanders lost sight of the man.”

The RCMP worked alongside the Canadian Coast Guard with the assistance of Vancouver Fire Rescue and Metro Vancouver Parks to conduct the search Thursday.

The CCGS Moytel hovercraft deployed divers and inflatable boats as part of the search.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Staff Sgt. Kris Clark of the BC RCMP said Thursday evening.

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— With files from David Nadalini and Michelle Meiklejohn.