Clearwater RCMP responded to 29 calls for service this past week including the alert of an avalanche rescue out of Blue River.
Detachment commander Sgt. Grant Simpson said that on February 23 at 3:34 p.m. Kelowna Telecoms advised RCMP of an SOS Alarm at LAT:52°3'4.392"N LONG:119°10'8.04"W, which was between Avola and Blue River.
“A search and rescue global positioning service reported via text, that a male was recovered from an avalanche, was hypothermic, shivering and in shock. Live tracking provided to the RCMP, showed them to be more than 30 kilometre in the mountains away from Highway 5 near Finn Creek. One of the three snowmobilers texted that the avalanche had buried two sleds and the three males required rescuing,” reported Sgt. Simpson.
The Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) advised, and Wells Gray Search and Rescue (WGSAR) manager on duty reported they could not ride to the area and the local helicopter could not fly as it was almost dark. Const. Tobin suggested a helicopter service closer to the area attend from Mike Wiegele Heli Skiing. WGSAR secured a helicopter with them, however, could not get a team member there before dark.
“Const. Tobin texted the snowmobilers to wait and watch for the helicopter as they only had one shot to pick them up before nightfall," Simpson said. "The helicopter was able to recover the three males safely minutes before dark.”
BC Ambulance Service attended, but was then declined by the males. Cpl. Meyer spoke to the owner of the SOS device, and he advised that he lent it to his friends, one of whom was buried in the avalanche and dug out by his brothers. The SAR global positioning service was advised by Const. Tobin that all three of the males had been recovered safely.
Simpson also reported that on Feb. 18, at 2:40 p.m. a Birch Island man was reporting an erratic driver when he witnessed them drive into the ditch by a neighbourhood store. "Cpl. McGeorge attended and located the vehicle in the ditch with very minimal damage and no one around. A passerby advised police that male got picked up by a side by side,” said Simpson.
The Sgt. added that Cpl. McGeorge attended the registered owner’s address a few blocks away and spoke with him there. “He advised it was his wife's car, but he had been driving, he also advised he lost control in the slush and pulled his e-brake which spun him into the ditch. Cpl. McGeorge noted snow on the sides of the road, but clear in that area. The driver was clearly intoxicated however no continuity to pursue Immediate Roadside Prohibition,” said Sgt. Simpson. "The driver claimed he’d only had one drink and requested to blow on the Alcohol Sensing Device which Cpl. McGeorge entertained for an education of the driver."
Simpson said the driver blew one fail and apologized, advising he didn't think he was that bad.
There was no accident report required due to minimal to no damage, Simpson noted, adding there was insufficient evidence for charges and the driver advised he would arrange to have the vehicle removed.
“On February 20, at 8:24 p.m. Kelowna Telecoms advised the Clearwater RCMP of an iPhone Crash Notification on Highway 5 at Messiter Summit near Blue River. A third party had lost control, crashed, and needed a tow. They were not in cell service and unable to identify the number of occupants and if there were any injuries. Cpl. Meyer contacted the local towing company who reported the lone occupant was uninjured but that the vehicle could not be towed out without traffic control,” reported Simpson. The towing company met with Cpl. Meyer at the collision site and police slowed down traffic. Cpl. Meyer noted roads were slippery with some slush and a -2 Celsius temperature.
Sgt. Simpson said the roads were sanded and salted by Emil Anderson Highways Ltd.
"A Nanaimo man was driving his BC Plated Acura SUV from Nanaimo heading to Edmonton when he lost control and went off road right. The vehicle damage was under $10,000 so no accident report was required.”
The local tow company towed the vehicle and will attempt to repair a tire, said Simpson, adding a file number was provided for insurance purposes.
