Coast Guard officials have suspended the search for a missing father less than a day after his six-year-old daughter was found dead off the B.C. coast.
William Liebenberg, 60, a well-known North Vancouver dentist, and his daughter Maddie set off by boat for their cabin on Gambier Island Saturday evening.
A few hours after Liebenberg’s 20-foot aluminum boat left Lions Bay Marina, it was found adrift -- in good working condition, but without anyone aboard. The keys were still in the ignition.
Search and rescue teams were soon dispatched, and shortly before midnight rescuers made the grim discovery of Maddie’s body off the east shore of the island. The little girl was not wearing a life jacket.
Officials at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre told CTV News Sunday night that they were searching an area roughly 30 square nautical kilometres in size by water and air. The search was called off at sunset, and RCMP is now investigating the incident as a missing persons case.
Mounties say there is no indication of foul play at this time, but nothing has been ruled out.
Whatever happened to the father and daughter on the water remains a mystery. Liebenberg’s black SUV is still parked at the Lions Bay Marina, Maddie’s pink and white bike on the back.
Marina staff told CTV News they watched Maddie grow up, and call Liebenberg a close friend, noting he is extremely fit and an experienced boater. They say the pair would often go swimming off their boat a safe distance from shore.
“She was a really beautiful kid,” says Ken Wolder, general manager of the Lions Bay Marina. “He cares for his family a lot, and enjoys spending time with his daughter. We saw that a lot whenever he went out. It’s difficult for them I’m sure.”
Originally from South Africa, Liebenberg also has four grown daughters from a previous marriage. He has practiced at Westview Dental in North Vancouver for more than 20 years.
With files from CTV Vancouver’s Sarah MacDonald and Nafeesa Karim
