Port Hardy RCMP helped in the successful search and rescue of eight individuals caught in a flash flood near San Josef Bay this week.
At around 7:18 p.m.on October 23rd police received an iPhone SOS from an individual reporting that he and another person were trapped.
Their vehicle reportedly became disabled by a flash flood while returning to the highway from San Josef Bay.
Police say a second group traveling in an RV stopped to assist the two who were stranded, but they also became trapped after floodwaters rose and debris blocked the road in both directions.
Port Hardy RCMP say they were unable to attend due to mudslides and road washouts that made all access routes impassable.
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However, they were able to sound the alarm to Campbell River Search and Rescue (GSAR) and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC), who had better capacity to engage in this rescue.
GSAR and JRCC also employed a Transport and Rescue Squadron from CFB Comox, who were deployed and were able to successfully rescue all eight individuals.
Police say that no serious injuries were reported.
“This incident highlights the risks of extreme weather and access limitations in remote North Island areas,” said S/Sgt. Kim Rutherford, detachment commander for Port Hardy RCMP.
“Effective coordination and timely activation of the North Island GSAR and military partners ensured a safe outcome. Continued collaboration with inter-agency partners ongoing in order to continue to strengthen response readiness.”
As extreme conditions persist in the region, police encourage everyone to stay away from the area for the weekend.
