Search-and-rescue effort to find missing swimmer swept down Stamp River suspended

The search-and-rescue effort to find a woman swept down Stamp River over the weekend near Port Alberni has been suspended. 

The swimmer was last seen at around 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 5th when she was reported to have been swept away by the current and over the falls.

Port Alberni RCMP, Alberni Valley Rescue Squad and Arrowsmith Search and Rescue launched an effort to find the woman but have since been unable to locate her. 

As of Thursday, July 9th, the rescue effort has been called off. 

“Today was an incredibly difficult day for everyone involved, as search efforts are being paused for the time being,” wrote Alberni Valley Rescue Squad in an update on social media. 

“Most importantly, our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy. We cannot imagine what they are going through, and we are holding them in our thoughts during this devastating time.”

The volunteer-based search-and-rescue team also thanked all organizations involved in the search effort, along with their volunteers. 

As of this publication, the swimmer who went missing has not been identified and remains missing.