Home »
SAR called out twice in less than 18 hours
The Kimberley Search and Rescue teams were called out Thursday just after 7 p.m. for a missing person and again Friday around noon for assistance in the White Swan area.
On Thursday (July 21) a 13-year-old girl was reported missing. Kimberley RCMP was called and they activated Search and Rescue (SAR) through Emergency Management BC. The teams were on scene less than two hours when the girl was located. Fifteen volunteer SAR members were involved in the search.
On Friday, July 22, police initially received a report of two kayakers stranded on the White River in the White Swan area. Kimberley Search and Rescue was activated and requested a helicopter to the remote area. But when the police arrived they learned the subjects had been involved in a vehicle collision on the other side of the river and were seeking help. RCMP transported them to a waiting helicopter where they were taken to Cranbrook.
Search and Rescue teams in BC are made up of volunteers. The members train on a regular bases and attend calls when required. In addition to ground search teams there are a number of specialty teams including swift water, rope and cave rescue.
If you need assistance, it’s the RCMP or police force of jurisdiction that activates search and rescue, so call 911. The teams are dispatched and monitored by the Emergency Coordination Centre in Victoria.
“We are fortunate to have such a good group of dedicated volunteers in our area. They are invaluable when it comes to situations such as these,” stated Cpl. Chris Newel, Kimberley RCMP.
e-KNOW
