A Tamil man from Calgary has driven to B.C. in the hopes of seeing his sister and niece who he believes were aboard the MV Sun Sea.

The man says his mother in Sri Lanka called him on Friday to tell him his sister and niece were on the migrant ship that arrived on the shore of B.C. Friday carrying almost 500 people, most whom are now seeking refugee status.

After speaking with his mother, the man said he then drove all night to get to Victoria.

"I want to talk to them, I want to see them," he told CBC News.

The man can't be named because of a publication ban on identifying the migrants.

Man was turned away

When he arrived at CFB Esquimalt, where the ship is being held, the man said he was turned away. While there, he caught a glimpse of the MV Sun Sea and was shocked that nearly 500 people could spend three months on such a small vessel.

"How they stay in there, I can't believe it," he said.

The man said he was also turned away at the hospital where some of the Tamil migrants were taken.

Now he doesn't know who to call or how to let his sister know he's looking for her.

"Nobody helped me," he said.

The Canada Border Services Agency is referring relatives to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

"I'm very sad because they … came here over three months," the man said. "When I see them, and then I will [be] happy."