Two sailors reported missing in Nanaimo have been found safe after nearly a month of uncertainty. Police confirmed that 30-year-old Robert Stalker and his 33-year-old sailing partner, Julie De Myer, were located in the Nanaimo area on different days.
Stalker was reported missing last week by his family after he had not been in contact, which they said was out of character. Authorities added De Myer to the missing persons report because she was believed to be travelling with him on their sailboat.
The pair had last been heard from on July 20, sparking concern among family, friends, and the wider community. Police said tips from the public helped bring the case to a swift resolution.
According to investigators, De Myer was found first on Friday, along with the white sailboat they had been using. Stalker was then located on Sunday, bringing relief to relatives who had been anxiously waiting for news. Officers confirmed both were safe and in good condition.
The case had drawn attention in Nanaimo after several weeks passed with no word from the sailors. The lack of contact led police to call for help from the public, asking anyone who had seen the pair or their boat to come forward. Many responded, and the flow of information allowed officers to track down the two individuals within days of each other.
Community members had followed the updates closely, with many expressing concern as the days stretched into weeks. Stalker’s description, which was shared by authorities, included his height of six-foot-one, weight of about 190 pounds, blond hair, and blue eyes. De Myer was described as five-foot-10, about 155 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes.
The two were believed to have been travelling on a sailboat named Calliope. After their disappearance, authorities reminded the public that open communication is essential when sailing or travelling by water. Regular check-ins can provide reassurance to families and prevent prolonged searches in case of unexpected situations.
Police thanked the public for their quick response, which played a key role in resolving the case. They emphasized that community support often makes a difference in missing persons investigations, especially when time and accurate information are critical.
While the outcome has brought relief, authorities used the opportunity to remind sailors and outdoor enthusiasts of the importance of safety measures. They advised travellers to inform relatives or friends of their planned routes, estimated return times, and to maintain communication whenever possible.
The story unfolded over several days. On August 15, police first appealed to the public for help after noting that the pair had not been heard from for four weeks. Two days later, on August 17, police confirmed that De Myer and the sailboat had been located, but Stalker was still unaccounted for at that time. Concern grew further, as police described the absence of communication as unusual.
By Sunday, relief came when Stalker was also found safe, ending a period of deep worry for those who knew him. Family members and friends expressed gratitude to both the authorities and the public who shared information.
This case highlights the effectiveness of collaboration between law enforcement and community members. Police said the outcome could have been different without the attention and quick reporting from the public.
The safe return of both sailors closes a case that had caused alarm for nearly a month in the coastal community. For many, it stands as a reminder of how vital communication and awareness are when travelling on the water.
