By S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen

Prepared sledders spend night outside before rescue can arrive

On January 20, Elk Valley RCMP was advised of two stranded snowmobilers on the side of a mountain in the Flathead Mountain Range east of Fernie. The complainant, who was one of the sled operators, indicated that he and a companion had dropped into an area on the mountain from which they could not exit.

They continued along within that area terrain, eventually coming to a cliff which inhibited further travel and so decided to call for assistance.

Police confirmed that the subjects were more than prepared to survive the night, with adequate food, water, clothing, cell service, emergency beacons if necessary and a means to make a fire. Their family had also been advised of the situation.

Fernie Search and Rescue was advised and it was determined that the two would have to wait until daylight to be extracted.

The next morning, Fernie Search and Rescue advised the cloud ceiling was too low for a long line recovery, so Sparwood Search and Rescue provided their tracked vehicle for use during the operation. This was driven close to the scene, at which point ground personnel went in on skis, then walked the two sledders out.

All parties were extracted safely. Elk Valley RCMP thank both Search and Rescue teams for assisting in the recovery of the two snowmobilers. This is an excellent example of people enjoying the outdoors, but being prepared to respond to changing circumstances. Our file is concluded.

Police respond to six motor vehicle accidents Sunday morning

On January 21, Elk Valley RCMP responded to six motor vehicle accidents throughout the morning of various types, involving one or more vehicles, the occasional vehicle roll over and some required BC Ambulance to assist with some, fortunately, light injuries.

Elk Valley RCMP wish to remind residents and visitors to our area that speed limit signs are for ideal conditions and not a starting point for everyday winter driving.  Travelling winter roads can involve using caution when driving and we ask that you lower your speeds and get to where you are going safely, albeit a few minutes later.

Two arrested in Nelson after Elkford vehicle thefts

On January 21, Elk Valley RCMP received a call from a business operator located on Front Street in Elkford, reporting two of their vehicles stolen from the yard in which they were being stored.

One of the vehicles had already been recovered a short distance from the location by the complainant. The other truck, which had a GPS system tracker operating within it, had first shown to be active in the Cranbrook area, but had continued onto Nelson where it was believed to be in the Walmart parking lot. Elk Valley RCMP contacted the Nelson Police Service as well as Nelson Rural RCMP Detachment as a result.

Elk Valley RCMP is aware that two persons, one male and a female known to the Elk Valley RCMP, were caught in the vehicle by Nelson Rural RCMP. They were later released on Undertakings. The owner of the truck was advised and is in the process of recovering the vehicle, which appears to be undamaged. Our file is still in process assisting Nelson Rural RCMP with their investigation.

e-KNOW file photo

– S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen is Elk Valley Regional RCMP Detachment commander

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