Since early Saturday morning (Aug. 15) Search and Rescue Teams have been searching Findlay Creek for a Canal Flats man who fell into the creek.

RCMP received a call around midnight of a collision on the Skookumchuck Forest Service Road (FSR) Bridge just off Findlay Creek FSR.

The driver had failed to negotiate a curve onto the bridge and became high centred on the guardrail. While attempting to free the vehicle he fell off the bridge into the creek below.

BC Ambulance, Canal Flats Fire Department, RCMP and Search and Rescue teams attended and attempted to locate the male but the search was called off due to dangerous conditions and limited search ability given the darkness and terrain.

The search resumed early Sunday morning with teams from Sparwood, Columbia Valley, Golden, Cranbrook and Kimberley. Over 20 team members, many of whom are trained in swift water rescue, are involved in the search, which went on until dusk. Teams are back out today, August 16.

The rugged terrain has created difficult conditions that the teams have overcome to effectively search the creek. A collision analyst attended and conducted a scene examination given the circumstances.

The subject is a 51-year-old male from Canal Flats; police are working with the family during this difficult time.

“SAR teams throughout the province continually train and upgrade their skills for situations like this. The teamwork and commitment shown during this incident is excellent. All the team members are volunteers who have come out to assist the family, RCMP and the community. For that we are thankful,” said Cpl. Chris Newel of Kimberley RCMP.

The area is approximately15 km west of Canal Flats.

Kimberley RCMP

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