The BC Coroners Service has confirmed that a man missing from his boat in the Sayward area has been found deceased.

The man is Douglas James Gordon, aged 80, a long-time resident of Craycroft Island, northwest of Sayward across Johnstone Strait.

Mr. Gordon was reported missing to RCMP on May 4 when his neighbours noticed his boat tied up near his house, idling and secured by only a stern line. Mr. Gordon was nowhere to be found. A search began that day, and continued until May 7 when Mr. Gordon was found by a search-and-rescue dive team on the ocean floor near where the boat had been moored.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP are continuing to investigate this death. Foul play has been ruled out in the case.

The family of Mr. Gordon has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133