8 months after a woman drowned near Spanish Banks, Vancouver police renew plea for help identifying her
On the eight-month anniversary of a tragic discovery near a Vancouver beach, police are renewing a public appeal for help identifying a drowning victim.
Investigators have received about 30 tips from the public in the months since a tug boat crew discovered a woman’s body floating in the water at Spanish Banks, according to statement issued by the Vancouver Police Department on Monday.
Police say the tug boat crew brought the woman to shore but, despite life-saving efforts, she later died in hospital.
The VPD have re-released a sketch of the woman, as well as a video on social media summarizing what investigators have determined so far.
“She appears to be a Black woman in her 30s. She had distinctive freckles on her face and she had short black hair that was tied back in a bun,” VPD spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison says in the video.
He goes on to explain that a blue inflatable kayak was found overturned nearby, as was an orange life vest and a vial of insulin.
Investigators believe the woman may have been a diabetic who went into medical distress before falling into the water.
They’ve checked her fingerprints and DNA on police databases, reviewed surveillance footage and are continuing to liaise with “various national consulates,” according to the VPD statement.
While the woman was found wearing a backpack, police say neither her wallet nor identification were inside.
Anyone with information about the woman is asked to call 604-717-0619 or email missing.vpd@vpd.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.