Missing South Asian boater is Amit Naress

Amit NaressDELTA Police on Thursday released the name and photograph of the boater who went missing in the Fraser River last Saturday (June 7). He is 36-year-old Amit Naress.

Police said that last Saturday at about 9 p.m. they were requested by the Coast Guard to assist with a person in the water close to the Alex Fraser Bridge. Naress had fallen into the water and had not resurfaced while trying to free the boat he was on from the pilings and barges.

On the night he went overboard, police and Coast Guard conducted an extensive search for him until dark without success. The search was resumed in the morning with the Coast Guard using their hovercraft and helicopter, again without success.

On Wednesday, RCMP Air One conducted another shoreline search with no sign of the missing man.

Delta Police do not believe there is any foul play or suspicious circumstances involved in this case. Naress was not wearing a life jacket and was unable to swim. At this time, Naress’s family has requested his name and photo be released in case there is any information from the public that may help them find their loved one. The family does not wish to provide any further comment to media at this time, said Delta Police Sgt. Sarah Swallow.

The file remains an open missing person investigation. Any information can be forwarded to Delta Police at 604.946.4411.

Amit Naress is described as:
* Indo-Canadian man, 36 yrs old
* 5’11, muscular build
* Short brown hair
* Mole on cheek and nose
* Tattoo on right arm, “ASHNEIL”
* Tattoo on left arm, cobra
* Wearing grey “Old Navy” long sleeved shirt and fitted jeans