Search underway for B.C. woman missing after empty boat washes ashore

May 16, 2025 | 4:12 PM

NANAIMO — Police in Nanaimo, B.C., say a search is underway both at sea and on land after a woman’s sailboat was discovered washed ashore and empty.

Mounties say 34-year-old Amber Nitchman is the registered owner of the 10-metre white sailboat that was found Thursday near Bayshore Drive and Hammond Bay Road off Nanaimo.

No one was on the boat, and Nanaimo Search and Rescue, the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Center, the coast guard and Nanaimo RCMP have taken part in a ground and water search for the woman.

Police are asking that anyone with information on the case contact investigators immediately.