By Pete McIntyre

Stuck snowmobilers rescued

Mar 9, 2020 | 10:30 AM

Two people who got stuck while snowmobiling in the Sugar Lake area near Lumby over the weekend were fortunate they were able to call for help.

They called RCMP Saturday who then notified Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR), with members able to make contact with the two on a cellphone.

“As VSAR teams mobilized, communication with the subjects through cellphone was established, and they were encouraged to stay with their machine and await rescue,” a news release from VSAR said.

The two were doubling on their machine when they got stuck about 16 kilometres from where they left their truck.

“Anticipating a trip of only a few hours, they hadn’t brought extra warm clothing, emergency supplies or gear to start a fire with them,” the release said.

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VSAR teams located the subjects’ truck after dark, and sent a team of seven searchers to find them.

“Conditions were cold with clear skies. There was recent fresh snowfall and an avalanche assessment showed moderate to considerable risk in the area,” the release said.

Within two hours, the search team arrived at the subjects’ location and members were surprised to find the two “excavated a hole in the snow the size of a truck,” according to the search team leader.

“Despite their hard work, they weren’t able to free their machine. Working together, our search team was able to lift their snowmobile out of the hole, and we all drove back out,” the release said.

The local residents were cold, exhausted but extremely thankful.

“Thanks to you guys, we made it out. Can’t tell you guys how much we appreciated the help,” one said.

Vernon Search and Rescue is recommending snowmobilers consider a few of the factors in this situation:

The two individuals were very lucky to have cellphone service in the spot they were stuck, and that they had battery life left to communicate with. Think of your communications gear and spare batteries or power.
Even though the subjects called for help as soon as they determined they were in trouble, they were forced to spend many hours on the cold, dark mountain while help arrived. Especially in wilderness terrain, small challenges can create big problems.
There is no such thing as “just a short ride” when accidents or emergencies happen. Don’t make the mistake of leaving without extra clothing, fire starting tools, food and water every time.

by Pete McIntyre

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