‘Stay safe’: Message from Columbia Valley Search and Rescue after busy start to March – Okanagan | 24CA News
It’s been a busy March for a search and rescue group in B.C.’s Kootenay area.
On its Facebook web page, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) posted three incidents, with one callout being for an ice climber who died after falling 30 ft final week.
The climber fell close to the Gibraltar ice climbs on Kootenay Forest Service Road on March 9, with search and rescue saying it started rescue efforts however was stood down previous to arriving on scene.
“Columbia Valley RCMP explained that the ice climber died after falling approximately 30 feet,” mentioned CVSAR, a nonprofit group which companies the Invermere space. “The climber’s buddy and a worksite ambulance performed life-saving measures till emergency well being companies may arrive.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of the deceased and those involved in the incident. This has been a difficult month for the local outdoor community. Stay safe this spring.”
Columbia Valley Search and Rescue
CVSAR additionally issued two posts on a pair of snowmobile rescues, with each taking place final weekend, March 10-11.
“Both incidents occurred in the Forster area on Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon, respectively,” mentioned search and rescue.
“CVSAR members responded, stabilized and transported the subjects to Invermere airport where they were handed over to B.C. Emergency Health Services.”
It additionally mentioned “big thanks to the assistance from our friends and partners at RK Heliski and Coldstream Helicopters.”
And on March 1, it was additionally referred to as out to help police for an avalanche close to Panorama.
In whole, 10 heli-skiers have been caught in that avalanche, with three German vacationers being killed.
In the Okanagan, Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) says it took 16 members and two individuals from close by snowmobile golf equipment to rescue a snowmobiler who acquired separated from his get together, then acquired caught on March 3.
“Our sledder did many things right,” mentioned VSAR, including he activated his iPhone’s SOS functionality, alongside along with his SPOT machine.
“He has survival equipment, has built a shelter in the form of a snow cave and was in the process of trying to start a fire when we arrived.”
VSAR continued, saying “we would like to remind everyone that with the current conditions it is important that we put in extra planning to ensure everyone comes home safely. The safety of our members is our top priority. This may mean that our response is delayed several hours or that we are only able to respond in daylight hours.”
Elsewhere, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue got here to assistance from a snowmobiler who was injured in Graystokes Provincial Park on March 13.
“The sledders did everything right. They had an InReach, fire starter, warm clothes and snacks. It made the wait that much more comfortable for their friend,” mentioned search supervisor Kevin Birnie.
“These are part of the 10 essentials Adventure Smart advocates for.”
For extra about B.C. Search and Rescue, which options 78 teams throughout the province and three,400 volunteers, go to the group’s web site.
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