RCMP helicopter was used to rescue a stranded motorist in the Brenda Lake Recreation area. (Photo credit: RCMP)

By Pete McIntyre

Search and Rescue

Backcountry rescue: Stranded motorist found by RCMP helicopter

Nov 22, 2023 | 5:10 PM

Police and a search and rescue team came to the assistance of a driver who got stuck in the snow northwest of Peachland.

RCMP received a 911 call from a man stranded with his truck near the Brenda Lake Recreation area off Highway 97C on Nov. 21. The motorist was exploring the backcountry by himself in his new 4×4 vehicle.

The driver was unable to provide his location coordinates and attempts to pinpoint his cell phone were unsuccessful.

Following a risk assessment, the Kelowna RCMP Air Services helicopter and the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) were deployed to assist.

After successfully locating the truck by air, the pilots of Air 4 landed in a safe clearing and hiked about 500 metres to rescue the driver and fly him out safely without injury.

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“This is a strong reminder to be fully equipped and prepared when travelling into the backcountry,” Const. . Mike Della-Paolera said. “Our community is fortunate that we have specialized resources from Kelowna RCMP Air Services and the many volunteers with COSAR that are able to assist in rescue in situations like this, otherwise this story could have ended very differently.”

The RCMP and COSAR remind motorists going into the backcountry that most forest service roads are not maintained and are impassable by road intended vehicles during the winter months. According to COSAR, there is a noticeable increasing trend of motorists relying on online maps as a way to navigate forest service roads. These maps can sometimes be inaccurate and are not updated with the current road conditions.

If you do wish to travel on the back country, the advice is to visit adventuresmart.ca and fill out a trip plan. It could save your life.

by Pete McIntyre

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