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U.S., Canadian searchers scour south B.C. waters for missing kayakers

Pair last known to be paddling off Central Saanich on Saturday
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Searchers are looking for Daniel MacAlpine, 36, (right) and Nicolas West, 26, (left), who went missing while kayaking between Island View Beach and D’Arcy Island on April 20th, 2024. (Courtesy Sidney/North Saanich RCMP)

The search continues for two men who went missing kayaking between Island View beach and D’Arcy Island Saturday (April 20). A kayak was found Sunday, according to the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

Daniel MacAlpine, 36, and Nicolas West, 26, were using a blue, two-person kayak.

As of Monday, the search concentrated toward San Juan Island, Lopez Island and through the Haro Straight.

West Coast Marine is engaged, and is focusing search efforts more north of Coal Island into the upper Gulf Islands while authorities in the United States are engaged in search efforts on their country’s side, RCMP said in a Monday morning update.

“At the time of this update, there have been no signs of both missing men,” Cpl. James Grandy stated in the release.

The day before, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office news release said their teams were called in to help with the search early Sunday, and around midday were alerted the Canadian Coast Guard had found a kayak on Henry Island.

The sheriff’s office updated Sunday night that the agency used its boat and drone to search parts of Henry, Stewart and Speiden islands, but did not see signs of the missing kayakers.

“Canadian authorities were contacted and updated with the results of our efforts to search for the missing kayakers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the kayakers and their families, and are hopeful that they are located and found,” read the post signed Sheriff Eric Peter.

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About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk

Longtime journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
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