Ostend, Belgium — The lifeless body of a 65-year-old man, who had been reported missing since Thursday evening, was found on Sunday morning in a canal in Stene, a section of Ostend.
The Bruges section of the West Flanders public prosecutor’s office confirmed the discovery and stated that preliminary investigations indicated no signs of foul play.
The man was last seen at around 23:00 on Thursday at a local restaurant in Ostend. Concerned for his safety, his family reported him missing, prompting authorities to issue a public notice on Saturday.
A coordinated search effort was initiated, involving local police and volunteers combing through nearby areas. Shortly before 10:00 on Sunday, a passerby spotted a body floating in the canal and alerted emergency services.
The area was immediately cordoned off, and officials from the public prosecutor’s office arrived at the scene alongside a forensic doctor and a scientific laboratory team to conduct a thorough examination.
In a statement released later in the day, the prosecutor’s office said, “Preliminary findings show no signs of violence from a third party.”
Investigators suggested that the circumstances surrounding the incident point towards an accidental fall into the canal, although further tests and a full autopsy report are awaited to confirm the exact cause of death.
Local residents expressed shock at the news, describing the area around the canal as usually quiet and safe. “It’s heartbreaking to hear. I walk my dog here every morning and never expected something like this,” said a nearby resident.
Authorities have not released the man’s identity pending notification of his family. However, they assured the public that additional investigations would be conducted to rule out any other possibilities.
Meanwhile, police have urged anyone with information about the man’s movements between Thursday night and Sunday morning to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
As the community mourns, the incident has sparked discussions about the safety of the canal area, especially at night. City officials are expected to review surveillance footage and assess if additional safety measures are required to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The public prosecutor’s office has stated that an official report will be released once the autopsy and forensic tests are complete, providing more clarity on the incident.
