News release

Man presumed drowned after report of swimmer in distress

April 17, 2025 - UBC Endowment Lands, British Columbia
From: University RCMP

Content

File # 2025-1708

A man is missing and presumed drowned after police were called to Wreck Beach on Thursday afternoon for a report of a swimmer in distress.

On April 17, 2025, at 3:25 p.m., the University RCMP received a report of a swimmer in distress at Wreck Beach between trails 4 and 6. A man was apparently in the water yelling for help and struggling to swim. 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. With assistance from the Vancouver Fire Rescue, BC Ambulance Service, Metro Vancouver Parks and the Canadian Coast Guard, a marine search was undertaken. The hovercraft CCGS Moytel deployed divers and two rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIB) from the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station conducted an extensive search.

The search was unsuccessful; however, and the man is presumed drowned.

"Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends during this difficult time," said Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the BC RCMP. "The search has been suspended due to darkness but will resume in the morning."

The investigation is ongoing.

Update on April 18, 2025 at 12:50 p.m.:

Today, police conducted a shoreline search at Wreck Beach and Acadia Beach in hopes to find the missing swimmer. Police Dog Services, RCMP Helicopter Air 1 and Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (aka drones) have also been deployed to assist in the search. Efforts to date have not been successful in locating the missing man. University RCMP continues to engage support from other agencies and additional shoreline searches have been requested in areas not easily accessible by foot.

No further information is available at this time.

Update on April 18, 2025 at 4:26 p.m.:

University RCMP is aware that Vancouver Police have responded to the discovery of a body in the water on Third Beach. While the body description matches the missing swimmer, confirmation of their identity has not yet been fully completed. The marine search has since been stood down.

Update on April 23, 2025 at 11:52 a.m.

The body recovered on April 18, 2025 has since been identified as the missing swimmer. The matter is now with the BC Coroners Service and no further information will be provided.

Contacts