Update: Located and safe.
Original:
Sooke RCMP have launched a marine search and rescue operation after a Horne Road resident reported seeing a canoe and paddle washed up in the Sooke Basin.
Authorities believe the canoe belongs to 40-year-old James Milito, who lives on a sailboat anchored nearby.
He is described as a Caucasian male who stands 5’8″ tall, weighs 180 lbs, and has short brown hair. Police have not been able to find a photograph of him yet.
After the canoe was found, officers searched Milito’s sailboat – his dog was there, but he was nowhere to be seen.
If anyone has seen Milito in the past 72 hours, please contact Sooke RCMP at 250-642-5241.