Boaters rescued after canoe capsizes near Ambleside Beach
All 11 people suffered various degrees of cold water exposure or hypothermia, but ‘no major injuries were observed’
By Stephanie Ip, Joseph Ruttle
Last updated 5 hours ago
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Eleven people were rescued Sunday after a canoe capsized near Ambleside Beach.
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According to B.C. RCMP, a distress call was received Sunday around 3:30 p.m., reporting an overturned canoe in West Vancouver.
RCMP officers in four vessels patrolling Burrard Inlet as part of World Cup security operations responded.
Paramedics and West Vancouver police were also involved.
“Upon arrival, officers located 11 people, including several youths, clinging to a large overturned canoe,” police said in a statement Wednesday.
Police began pulling people from the water, while an RCMP diver jumped in to help those struggling to stay afloat.
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All 11 people were assessed and while all suffered various degrees of cold water exposure or hypothermia, “no major injuries were observed.”
Once police confirmed there were no more people in the water, the canoe was attached to an RCMP vessel and towed to shore.
“This incident highlights how quickly a day on the water can turn into an emergency,” said Cpl. Brett Urano.
“We are grateful that everyone was safely recovered and would like to remind boaters that wearing a properly fitted life-jacket can significantly increase survival and safety in the event of an unexpected capsize.”
The rescue comes just one week following a fatal sinking of a charter boat that took place off the coast of Richmond.
Of the 10 people believed to be on board that charter vessel, only four were rescued, one of whom has since died in hospital. The remaining six are presumed drowned and their bodies have not yet been recovered. It’s believed none of the 10 passengers were wearing life-jackets.
The charter boat has since been located by an underwater RCMP drone, though further assessment is needed to determine how best to inspect the wreckage.
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Boaters, including a child, rescued from lake near Fort St. James
Three people have survived the sinking of their boat in Stuart Lake near Fort St. James thanks to witnesses who came to their aid and an RCMP vessel.
On Tuesday, the trio were aboard a 17.5-foot boat that capsized and sank near Sowchea Bay in Stuart Lake, which is a popular boating spot about 30 kilometres northwest of Fort St. James.
One adult male and a child, both of whom were wearing life jackets, made it to shore, but another man was still in the water when Fort St. James RCMP arrived.
Before police got there, “nearby residents who heard cries for help launched their boat and went to assist,” said Cpl. Brett Urano. “The adult male had been in the water for approximately 90 minutes and was unable to climb aboard the assisting vessel. He remained afloat by clinging to debris from his sunken boat while awaiting rescue.”
Officers boarded a police vessel and brought the man out of the water. They went to shore to pick up the other two and took all three to Pitka Bay, where they were assessed by paramedics.
The man who spent time in the water was not wearing a life jacket, said Urano.
With activity picking up on the water and a local fishing derby coming up soon, Fort St. James RCMP are reminding boaters to:
• Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device or life jacket at all times while on the water
• Ensure all required safety equipment is onboard and easily accessible
• Check weather and water conditions before heading out
• Let someone know their boating plans and expected return time
• Regularly check their vessel to make sure it’s safe and seaworthy
“The Fort St. James RCMP would also like to acknowledge the quick actions of the residents who responded after hearing calls for help,” said Urano. “Their decision to assist played an important role in the successful rescue.”
