Powell River RCMP is currently investigating and seeking the help of the public in regards to a missing person, Mark Braunagel.
Through the course of an investigation by Texada Island RCMP it was determined that the missing person, Mark Braunagel came to Texada Island on October 15, 2023 to purchase a boat (photo below). He hired an individual from Texada Island to assist him in running the boat. The two then left Texada Island where they were last seen.
The following day, the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre received a mayday call from the vessel. They reported they were taking on water and were located south of Hornby Island. Search and Rescue responded, along with RCMP Air Services and RCMP West Coast Marine Services to conduct a search of the shore line and waters near the location that the mayday call was made. No one was located, and there was no evidence of the boat.
On October 22 at approximately 2:00 p.m., the deceased body of one of the people onboard washed up on Gabriola Island. The second person, who is identified as Mark Braunagel is still unaccounted for.
The Powell River RCMP is requesting the assistance of the public in regards to this matter, and asks that anyone who has any information or finds any evidence of boat wreckage in the area to please contact Powell River RCMP at 604-485-6255.
