A Mother's Bravery Amid Crisis

In a heart-wrenching incident near Goldstream Provincial Park, a mother and her infant were rescued from the treacherous waters of Finlayson Arm following a boating accident. Despite their survival, search crews are now aggressively searching for a missing man believed to have been on the same boat.

Unoccupied Boat Sparks Emergency Response

On Tuesday evening, a vigilant witness reported an unoccupied fishing boat circling aimlessly in the water at around 6:15 PM. When the West Shore RCMP arrived on the scene, they found a 20-foot vessel eerily drifting, prompting immediate action from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria.

Rescue Efforts Lead to Dramatic Discovery

Within an hour, the rigorous search efforts paid off as the mother and infant were discovered onshore, but not without trauma. "They were in medical distress," remarked West Shore RCMP Corporal Saggar. The brave mother had fought against the odds, swimming to safety with her child clutched tightly in her arms. Both were urgently taken to the hospital for care.

Investigation Underway for Missing Man

However, the relief was overshadowed by the reality that a third individual, 43-year-old Ryan Mazar, is still missing. Mazar, a Greater Victoria resident, was last seen aboard the boat and has not been located since the accident. Descriptions released by authorities note that he stands approximately 6'2" to 6'5" tall, weighs around 230 pounds, and features a notable tattoo of nautical designs on his left arm and Vancouver Island on his right.

Search Efforts Intensify, But Time is of the Essence

Extensive search operations were mobilized the night of the incident, with military aircraft, helicopters, and Canadian Coast Guard vessels deployed. Despite thorough searches through the night, hopes began to dim as aerial support was stood down by Wednesday morning due to saturation of the search area.

No Foul Play Suspected, Cautions Emphasized

Authorities maintain that there is no indication of foul play, labeling the situation a tragic accident rather than a criminal matter. Corporal Saggar stressed the critical importance of wearing life jackets while on the water, highlighting that none of the individuals were wearing one during the accident.

Community Rallies for Missing Man's Family

As search efforts continue for Mazar, the local community is urged to keep the families of both those rescued and the missing in their thoughts. This devastating event serves as a poignant reminder of the need for safety precautions on our waterways.