BC Search and Rescue Technician drowns during rescue operation

The Creston RCMP and BC Coroners Services are confirming that a BC Volunteer Search and Rescue Technician drowned today during a Search and Rescue operation in Creston.

Late Wednesday afternoon June 29th, the Creston RCMP were called to the Goat River, just off Highway 21, south of Creston, B.C. for a report of a vehicle going off the road and submerged in the river.

Search and Rescue Team resources required to carry out an examination of the vehicle mustered at the location, with an objective of determining if there were any occupants in the submerged vehicle. At about 4:15 pm during the course of their search efforts, utilizing swift water line equipment and a swift water craft, one of the Search and Rescue members went overboard into the river and did not surface. Efforts to locate and rescue this person were not successful.

No further details are being released with respect to the identity of the deceased SAR technician nor the SAR team involved as the Creston RCMP is currently completing next of kin notifications.

“Our condolences and thoughts are with the family involved as well as with our many BC Volunteer Search and Rescue Team members.” Cpl Dan Moskaluk

Search and Rescue efforts were suspended shortly after attempts to recover their teammate were unsuccessful with the recovery operation resuming on Thursday.