Boater, 66, missing in remote area near Barkley Sound: RCMP

A 66-year-old man is missing after heading out Monday in his boat near Rainy Bay to get cell service.

Rainy Bay is in a remote location in the Alberni Inlet/Barkley Sound area.

The boat was found adrift by his friends, who called 911 and sent a mayday on VHF radio. Port Alberni RCMP was advised of the situation.

The friends conducted a search, then the Ucluelet RCMP, RCMP West Coast Marine Services and coast guard responded.

The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team is now involved, as well.

The missing man has a Lower Mainland address, but has family ties to Port Alberni. His next of kin has been contacted.