The body of an infant was discovered Tuesday night by a tugboat crew working on the Fraser River south of Vancouver, according to police.

The infant was found floating in the river somewhere between Richmond and Burnaby around 10 p.m. PT by the tug's crew, who first thought it was a doll.

The RCMP was called to the scene, but an officer confirmed the infant was already dead. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was then called in to conduct the investigation.

"While the baby appears to be newborn the autopsy will ultimately be required to confirm those details as well as the race of the baby," Vancouver police spokesman Sgt. Jennifer Pound in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon.

"IHIT are concentrating on finding the mother of the baby and ensuring that her health and well-being have been looked after. She may require medical attention and we are asking she contact investigators at 1-877-551-IHIT(4448)," Pound said in the statement.

The manager of the tugboat company said the crew who found the body have been having a tough time dealing with the experience.