Police have identified the body found washed ashore at Neck Point Park on Wednesday as Ryan Pratt, who has been missing since early December. (submitted photos)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

body found

Body found along Neck Point beach identified as missing Nanaimo boater

Jan 26, 2024 | 8:41 AM

NANAIMO — A man who’d been living on his sail boat moored off Hammond Bay, and was reported missing in early December, has died.

Local Mounties have positively identified a body found washed ashore on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Neck Point Park in Nanaimo, as Ryan Pratt who disappeared from his sail boat late last year.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said the body was badly decomposed from nearly two months in the water, however investigators are confident in their conclusion.

“Pictures were taken of several tattoos on the remains, those were used along with other evidence to identify the individual as a 35-year-old man who was reported missing on Dec. 2. This individual had been living on his sail boat and hadn’t been seen since that day.”

Extensive searches involving Nanaimo Search and Rescue along with the Joint Rescue Coordinator Centre and West Coast Marine Services were launched in early December after friends were unable to locate Pratt.

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A small canoe was recovered near Piper’s Lagoon after his disappearance, which Pratt used to travel to and from shore.

O’Brien said Pratt’s family has been notified and are working with RCMP Victims Services.

The BC Coroners Service are continuing their investigation into the cause of Pratt’s death.

“None whatsoever,” O’Brien added when asked about elements of criminality in the case.

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