A missing person/overdue fisher investigation in the Nanaimo Lakes area on the evening of Tuesday October 20,  ended on a positive outcome after the missing 75-year-old man was found alive. The extensive search effort involved RCMP officers and RCMP Police Dog Services, Nanaimo Search and Rescue (NSAR), and civilian volunteers.

Just before 7:30 PM, Nanaimo RCMP received a report that the man had not returned home after leaving to fish earlier that morning. Concern grew when family and friends were unable to locate him despite their own efforts to search the area he was believed to be fishing.

Officers attended Nanaimo Lakes and located the man's vehicle and empty boat trailer. Given his age, medical condition, and the amount of time he had been overdue, the investigation was immediately treated as high-risk, and NSAR was activated, deploying approximately 25 volunteers, boats, and specialized search resources.

At approximately 10:15 p.m., NSAR located the man standing in the water near his capsized boat in medical distress. NSAR medics provided immediate care before transferring him to BC Emergency Health Services personnel for transport to hospital.

"This incident highlights the importance of a rapid, coordinated response when someone goes missing in a remote area," said Carly Trobridge, President of Nanaimo Search and Rescue. "Our volunteers train year-round and are ready to respond at a moment's notice. We're grateful this search had a positive outcome and are proud of the dedication shown by the many volunteers who gave their evening to help bring someone home safely."

"The successful outcome of this search is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of Nanaimo Search and Rescue's volunteer members," said Inspector Donovan Tait, Operations Officer for the Nanaimo RCMP. "Their ability to mobilize quickly and work alongside our officers and partner agencies played a critical role in locating this individual and ensuring he received the medical attention he needed."

The Nanaimo RCMP would like to thank Nanaimo Search and Rescue, BC Emergency Health Services, and the family members who assisted in the search effort. Stock photos provided of NSAR volunteers from recent searches.