Home News by Region BC & National Nanaimo RCMP: Man overboard from Tsawwassen-Nanaimo ferry is presumed drowned

Nanaimo RCMP: Man overboard from Tsawwassen-Nanaimo ferry is presumed drowned

Continues as a missing person investigation, though presumed drowned

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Rescue operation was conducted off the north coast of Gabriola Island early Tuesday morning Feb 10, 2026 involving flares, multiple agencies and air support. (Image: Difficult-Rough9914/Reddit / web)
CANADIAN NATIONAL NEWS & ANALYSIS

Wednesday February 11, 2026 | NANAIMO, BC

by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends


The Nanaimo RCMP is investigating a missing person report involving a man who departed his Nanaimo residence on February 9, 2026 and has not been seen since.

After the individual was reported missing, police conducted checks of several locations that he was known to frequent. Police then issued a request to partner agencies to be on the lookout for the man’s vehicle.

On Monday evening February 9 the missing adult male’s vehicle was located aboard a BC Ferries vessel at the Tsawwassen terminal, say Nanaimo RCMP in a statement.

The 10:45 pm sailing from Tsawwassen (Vancouver) to Duke Point (Nanaimo) on Monday night was put on hold, as stated by BC Ferries in one of their standard schedule advisories (which they issued at 11:09 pm on Monday evening).

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Water entry seen on video:

A review of onboard video showed a person matching the missing individual’s description entering the water while the vessel was underway in leaving the dock at Tsawwassen.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), along with RCMP West Coast Marine Services, initiated a search of the surrounding area.

Coordinated investigation:

Nanaimo RCMP conducted the investigation and coordinated with BC Ferries, Delta Police Department, Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), Gabriola RCMP, and RCMP West Coast Marine Services.

Flares were used by JRCC in an overnight search of the waters off Gabriola Island.

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Family advised:

Family members have been advised of the developments.

Presumed drowned:

On February 10 the search remained ongoing.

But today Reserve Constable Gary O’Brien says there is no longer an active search of the water and that the man is presumed drowned.

Nanaimo RCMP File: 2026-4193

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