Police, friends and volunteers continue to search for Amber Manthorne, the 40-year-old Port Alberni woman who went missing a week ago.
Christy St. Clair, organizer of the Finding Amber Manthorne Facebook group, said she was grateful for the outpouring of support, including from volunteer divers and drone operators.
But St. Clair said she doesn’t feel optimistic her friend will be found alive, given the time that has passed since her last known sighting on July 7.
“After so many days, if she’s been hurt or lost somewhere or if something has happened to her, it just doesn’t feel right,” she said. “It’s looking scary now … we’re just trying to get her home.”
Manthorne is described as small, five feet one inch tall, with long blond hair and blue eyes.
Her white Jeep Compass was found on the side of a logging road south of Nanaimo on July 9, according to police. Three days later, Vancouver Island’s Integrated Major Crime Unit was assigned to the case.
Amber Manthorne’s Jeep was found next to a logging road south of Nanaimo on July 9. (submitted to CBC)
St. Clair said Tuesday that RCMP brought in dogs to search around Manthorne’s home in the Great Central Lakes, located 40 kilometers from Port Alberni. Police also searched the area where Manthorne’s car was found.
Volunteers have put up Manthorne posters all over Vancouver Island, and a sorting station has been set up at Tseshaht Market on the Pacific Highway to coordinate volunteer searchers and information.
St. Clair said Manthorne is popular, has a large group of friends and is busy preparing for an upcoming wedding in which she is a bridesmaid.
She worked as a house cleaner and part-time at an industrial marina, and was also a partner in a photography business, according to St. Claire.
“She is a versatile and very talented lady,” St. Clair said. “She is well liked and well known in and around Port Alberni [Vancouver] The island too.”
Manthorne told friends she had plans to meet her ex-boyfriend at his home on the evening of July 7, according to St. Claire.
Port Alberni RCMP initially issued an appeal asking for the public’s help in locating Manthorne and a man she may have been with. Police now say they have spoken to that man.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Port Alberni RCMP at 250 723-2424.
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