Police and Search and Rescue respond to 3 calls within 4 hours

Coquitlam, Public Alert

2023-04-13 13:47 PDT

File # 2023-9407, 2023-9424 and 2023-9437

Coquitlam RCMP and Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) are reminding the public to plan accordingly after responding to three search and rescue reports in less than 4 hours.

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 Coquitlam RCMP received three reports of lost persons around Buntzen Lake in Anmore and Upper Pitt River in Port Coquitlam. All of these reports required the assistance of Coquitlam SAR and resulted in the safe return of each person and animal.

It’s certainly unusual and concerning to have this many search and rescue reports in such a short period of time, said Media Relations Officer, Corporal Alexa Hodgins. We are thankful for the quick response by Coquitlam SAR to each of these reports as their efforts ultimately resulted in the safe return of everyone involved.

At this time of year, it is still winter with snow on the ground on the high trails, said Stu Fleming, Search Manager for Coquitlam Search and Rescue. If you encounter snow or something changes during your trip plan, we encourage outdoor enthusiasts to re-assess their plans.

View larger photo - Two Coquitlam SAR members looking at a map of the area from inside the command vehicle

Timeline of calls for service:

Coquitlam RCMP File 2023-9407

The first report occurred on April 12, 2023 at 2:33 p.m. when Police responded to a lost hiker near Buntzen lake. With the assistance of Coquitlam SAR, the hiker was located and brought down the mountain at 6:30 p.m. with Coquitlam SAR uninjured.

Coquitlam RCMP File 2023-9424

The second report was received at 4:17 p.m. when Police received a report of a lost boater in the Upper Pitt River area. Coquitlam SAR was notified, but the boater was able to self-rescue.

Coquitlam RCMP File 2023-9437

The last call for service occurred at 6:43 p.m., when Police received a report of two lost hikers and their dog up on the ridge above the east-side of Buntzen Lake. As Coquitlam SAR were still in the area due to the first report, the lost hikers were quickly located with the assistance of Talon Helicopters. Due to the terrain and snow conditions, it took four and a half hours to walk the lost hikers and their very tired dog off the trail shortly before 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2023.

View larger photo - Exterior view of the Coquitlam SAR command vehicle set up at night

Tips and Prevention

Coquitlam RCMP and Coquitlam SAR would like to remind the public to prepare prior to their wilderness trips in order to prevent or reduce the effect, should they become lost.

On the Coquitlam SAR website, there is a list of 10 essential items to pack and trip planning tips which could aid in preventing an outdoor misadventure.

Ten essential items:

1. Flashlight and spare batteries
2. Extra Food and Water
3. Extra clothing (rain, wind and water protection)
4. Navigational Aids (maps, compass, altimeter, GPS, chart, radio and Mobile phone)
5. Fire starter
6. First Aid kit
7. Emergency shelter
8. Sun protection
9. Pocket knife
10. Signalling device

To learn more, visit Ten Essentials on the Coquitlam SAR website.

Trip planning:

• Provide someone with your trip plan route, direction of travel, location and expected return time
• Ensure your cellphone is fully charged but understand that they may not always be within range
• If you are lost, stay put

To learn more, visit Trip Planning on the Coquitlam SAR website.

Released by

Cpl. Alexa Hodgins

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: coquitlam.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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