A fisherman is safe and sound following an overnight search along the upper Kitimat River that ended early Friday morning.
According to Kitimat Search and Rescue (KSAR), they received a call from the Kitimat RCMP at around 3:06 a.m. on Jun. 26 after a fisherman didn’t show up at his designated pick-up point during the night before.
The fisherman was supposed to go down a portion of the upper Kitimat River during the period between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Thursday, but he never showed up as he was supposed to.
Seven members from KSAR participated in the search efforts, with three searchers sent in via helicopter into specific search areas in the river corridor, while other teams waited on the ground.
Crews focused on a probable area, and from the air, they managed to locate the missing fisherman as his boat got stuck in a logjam, causing it to capsize.
A helicopter was able to land in a safe spot within less than 500 meters, where two members from KSAR were able to hike in and find the fisherman
The search ended successfully around 9:30 in the morning
KSAR states that the rescue happened while the upper Kitimat River was still facing hazardous conditions as a result of high water levels recorded recently. River channels have shifted, and there have been many logjams formed, creating dangers to anyone who uses the river.
KSAR is advising anyone who intends to use the river to ensure they have the local knowledge, river reading skills, and the experience necessary to traverse the river.
The fisherman spent a night in the woods where he was confronted by some wild animals, including a mother grizzly bear and her two second-year cubs.
KSAR extended its thanks to Kitimat RCMP and Quantum Helicopters for helping during the rescue mission.
