Amber Maria Nitchman, 34, disappeared from her 10-metre white sailboat Gypsy Soul on or around May 15, 2025, after setting out alone from Nanaimo reportedly bound for Texada Island. Her vessel was later found washed ashore near Bayshore Drive and Hammond Bay Road in Nanaimo but was unoccupied. Investigators noted signs someone had recently been on board, yet there was no trace of Amber when an extensive search by Nanaimo RCMP, the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Center, the coast guard and Nanaimo Search and Rescue concluded after two days.

Authorities describe the scene as puzzling; while going overboard was an early theory, the lack of evidence has kept other possibilities open and the investigation remains active. Amber’s family has expressed frustration and has raised funds for a private investigator to continue looking for answers. If anyone saw Amber, her boat Gypsy Soul, or activity near Bayshore Drive and Hammond Bay Road around mid‑May 2025, please come forward with information.