Oliver Osoyoos Search team members

8 members from OOSAR attended:

Rob Selsing – SAR Manager
Jim McConnell – SAR Manager
Bruce MacPherson – SAR Manager
Kyle Fossett
Veronique Bolduc
Wade Baptiste
Warren Brown
Kevin Vetsch

 

Date: February 1, 15

Summary: Southern Interior SAR Teams and 442 Rescue Squadron respond to Manning Park call for aid on Frosty Mountain.

What turned out to be a recreational hike for three lower mainland residents yesterday resulted in over 30 SAR personnel from 5 SAR groups along with RCAF 442 Squadron personnel descending upon Manning Park late last night and early this morning to conduct a rescue operation in poor weather conditions.

Shortly after 9:30 PM Princeton Search and Rescue were alerted that a female hiker in her mid 20’s was requesting assistance due to a diabetic issue about 8 km up the Windy Joe Trail on Frosty Mountain. One of the group descended down the trail to alert officials.

With weather conditions deteriorating Princeton Search and Rescue requested the assistance of a Cormorant helicopter team from RCAF 442 Squadron in Comox, B.C.

With 442 squadron personnel en route, 30 ground rescue team members from Hope, Nicola Valley, Oliver –Osoyoos and Penticton along with Manning Park Staff gathered at the Manning Park Lodge to organize a ground evacuation if the air rescue proved to be too difficult.

In the early hours of the morning with the weather conditions marginal the 442 Squadron Team were able to locate the ill hiker and hoist her into the helicopter. The ill hiker and her companion were airlifted down to the waiting ambulance staff at the Manning Park Lodge where she was treated by BCAS.

The Cormorant Team had to remain on site as the weather conditions with blowing snow prevented them from returning to base.

Princeton SAR Manager wanted to thank the numerous personnel from the region that Nicola Valley had sent 7 personnel, Penticton – 6, Hope – 3 while Manning Park staff added 4 more to the already staffed Princeton team of 7 SAR personnel. BC Parks Ranger station at Manning Park also assisted in the rescue.

For information – contact Princeton SAR Manager

Prepared by
Randy Brown PENSAR Media officer for Princeton SAR