The RCMP’s Air Services and Island District Tactical Team have joined Ladysmith RCMP, the Island District General Investigation Section and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit in the search for Delores (Deedee) Brown.
Brown, 18, was last seen on Penelakut Island on July 27. She was reported missing two days later. Family says it’s uncharacteristic for Brown to be unreachable.
On Aug. 11 an RCMP helicopter supported searchers covering the shorelines, surrounding waters, and hard to access inland areas to ensure all areas of Penelakut Island were covered off,” according to Island District RCMP spokesman Cpl. Darren Lagan.
On Aug. 10 the RCMP West Coast Marine Section and Dive Team were used in support of the search, searching the waters and docks of Penelakut Island.
“The whereabouts of Delores Brown remains unknown,” Lagan said. “Investigators continue to investigate all tips and information from the public and community members.”
Community members have joined the family in searching for Brown. They have knocked on doors and swept the shoreline without results.
Brown is a First Nations woman standing approximately five-foot-six and weighing about 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a hoodie and carrying a backpack and was leaving the Island to go to visit her grandmother, who lives in Chemainus.
Due to health reasons, Brown’s grandmother is unable to confirm if she arrived for her planned visit.
Police ask anyone who may have seen Delores since July 27, 2015, or has information on her whereabouts, to contact the Ladysmith RCMP at 250-245-2215 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.