Kwinista Bar – Stranded Person
At 1501 hours on March 10, 2016, Terrace Search and Rescue Water Team Members were request by the RCMP to assist in evacuating a single male stranded on an island. A male had walked to the island on the Skeena River near Kwinsita during low tide and became stranded with the rising tide. The male’s friend was able to call for help and notified the RCMP. Water rescue team members demobilized from Terrace at 1518 hours, arriving on scene at 1605 hours. The male subject could be scene from the highway but had more than 100 meters of water between the island and the highway. Considering the distance and water temperature the male decided to wait for help. The 4 person SAR team quickly dressed in Swiftwater gear and launched their zodiac. Minutes later, the Swiftwater team had transported the stranded male back to the safety of the highway. The male was wet and cold; he was assessed by BCAS on scene and released.
This is the second call in 1 week, in this area for stranded persons and/or their vehicles. People often get stranded on the river bars when the tide rises. It is important to remember that certain parts of the Skeena River are influenced by tide changes. Please, be aware of the tide changes when visiting these areas.