Body found after swimmer presumed drowned off Wreck Beach, RCMP say

Wreck Beach is seen in this file image.

A man is presumed drowned after being seen yelling for help Thursday in the waters off Wreck Beach, beside the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus.

The University RCMP detachment said officers received a report of a swimmer in distress at the popular clothing-optional beach shortly before 3:30 p.m.

“A bystander entered the water in an attempt to affect a rescue,” the RCMP said, in a news release. “Unfortunately, the rescuer had to return to shore to avoid succumbing to the waters themselves.”

Witnesses then lost sight of the swimmer, and a subsequent marine search effort turned up no sign of him.

In an update late Friday afternoon, the RCMP said a body had been reported in the water at Third Beach, approximately eight kilometres away on the east side of English Bay, but the person had not been identified.

“While the body description matches the missing swimmer, confirmation of their identity has not yet been fully completed,” Staff Sgt. Kris Clark said in a statement. “The marine search has since been stood down.”

The “extensive” search effort involved the Canadian Coast Guard, Vancouver Fire Rescue Services and the B.C. Ambulance Service, Clark said.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends during this difficult time,” he added.

The search was suspended Thursday night but resumed on the morning of Good Friday, utilizing the RCMP’s Air 1 helicopter, Police Dog Services, and drones.

With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Todd Coyne