Sea to Sky RCMP received multiple ‘search and rescue’ calls over the weekend

ON Saturday, June 20, four separate calls for service were received by the Sea to Sky RCMP (Squamish Detachment) over a seven-hour period, all involving the need for rescue and recovery operations in the Squamish backcountry.

The four incidents occurred in separate locations: Sky Pilot, Tricouni Peak, the Howe Sound Crest Trail, and a waterfall east of Britannia Beach.  Each required Search and Rescue (SAR) expertise to extract the individuals, with support from BC Ambulance and, in one instance, the Britannia Beach Fire Department.

Multiple individuals sustained injuries, including one person with serious injuries who was rescued from Sky Pilot.  Tragically, a 31-year-old male succumbed to his injuries in a waterfall system in an area of the Britannia Beach backcountry.

A fifth SAR call was received on Sunday, June 21 for an injury to a hiker in the Shannon Falls pool system.  Squamish SAR, Lions Bay SAR, and North Shore Rescue were involved in the calls over the two days.  Of the five SAR calls attended by the RCMP, two involved the use of the SOS feature on satellite communication devices, while the others occurred within cellular range, allowing individuals to call for assistance directly.

“We have far too many examples of calls in our backcountry that go wrong each and every year, but knowing how to call for help, what to do when help is needed, or what to do when the rescues teams are en route is critical,” said Staff-Sgt. Sascha Banks on Monday.

“Unfortunately, a man lost his life this weekend, and our thoughts are with his family and with those responding to the scene to render aid.  Squamish SAR, Lions Bay SAR, BC Ambulance, and our teams have had an incredibly busy and tragic past few months in our parks and backcountry.   Before heading out, please ensure you’ve researched your trip, are equipped with the proper gear, and have a reliable way to call for help—just as those involved this past weekend did.”

These incidents serve as an important reminder to rely on trusted information and resources like AdventureSmart. Their website offers valuable tools for trip planning, equipment checklists, and training to help ensure thorough trip preparation, says RCMP.