The Elk Valley’s three search and rescue teams were called out by the RCMP last night (July 23) to search for a group of three people who were overdue from an Elk River float trip from Sparwood to the Olsen area.

Sparwood SAR, Fernie Search and Rescue and Elkford Search and Rescue volunteers searched throughout the night on shorelines and roads along the river, and first thing in the morning a search of the river was launched using rafts and a helicopter, Fernie SAR reported on Facebook.

SAR members found all three missing people soon after, cold but alive, having become stranded on the far side of the river and forced to seek shelter overnight when the hot summer day quickly changed to a series of severe thunderstorms with heavy rain.

“The raft and helicopter teams worked together to access the subjects, transported them out of the area and handed them over to BC Ambulance for assessment,” SAR said.

“Even on the nicest sunny day the weather in our area is known to change rapidly, so it’s important to be prepared for all kinds of weather on your trip. You can visit www.adventuresmart.ca for some great information on outdoor safety and how to plan your next trip!”

Sparwood SAR photo

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