Editor’s note: This story was updated on Dec. 20 with additional information from Oceanside RCMP.
Oceanside RCMP and family members continue to look for Carmel Georgina Gilmour as investigators look to clarify Gilmour’s movements.
While there is no new information, Oceanside RCMP Cpl. Jesse Foreman told The NEWS alerts have been sent to all the neighbouring detachments.
“We’ve done a forensic audit on the van and found that the gas tank was empty,” Foreman said. “There were a lot of personal possessions in the vehicle, which is an indication she may have been living in it.”
Foreman said RCMP have canvassed residences and businesses around the area, but have no new leads.
The Oceanside RCMP are still requesting the public’s assistance in locating the missing woman after a Qualicum Beach resident discovered the van she was last seen in abandoned.
“We’re hoping to hear from anyone who might have seen someone hitchhiking with gas can, or seen anything out of ordinary,” he said.
Gilmour was last seen in Parksville on Nov. 15, driving her van, according to an RCMP press release. A new release describes the van as being a brown 2002 Chevrolet Venture with B.C. licence plate EX976V.
The night of Tuesday, Nov. 21, a Qualicum Beach resident reported a suspicious, abandoned van. Police confirmed the van was the same one Gilmour was last seen in. She was not found in the area.
“(The) investigation to date suggests that the van was in the area of Little Mountain Road, Parksville on Nov. 14,” reads the new RCMP news release. “The van was then seen in the area of the 3100 block of Island Hwy. West in Qualicum Beach on Nov. 15 where it was later recovered by police.”
“Investigators are trying to clarify Gilmour’s physical movements, either in the van or while on foot (possibly hitchhiking). This would include people that she may have been with or spoken to between Nov. 14 and now.”
The 36-year-old woman is described as caucasian with dark hair, hazel eyes, five-feet six inches tall, with a medium build. Anyone with information is asked to call the Oceanside RCMP at 250-248-6111.
— Oceanside RCMP news release
