Search and rescue crews have not been able to locate a woman who disappeared in swift water late last month.
The incident began on the evening of June 27 when Slocan Lake RCMP were advised of an overdue kayaker.
Police were told the 56-year-old set off down the Slocan River from Slocan and was supposed to be picked up around the Perry’s Siding bridge.
“Search and rescue were immediately activated and attended the area and commenced the search that evening,” stated a Nakusp RCMP release. A search and rescue team based out of Castlegar used jet skis to search the river. The search for the kayaker continued the next day with their swift water team, ground teams as well as a helicopter. On the afternoon of June 29, search and rescue called off the search.
Numerous items belonging to the kayaker were located during the search, including the kayak. On Saturday, the RCMP helicopter as well as a helicopter from search and rescue flew up and down the river and were not able to find the missing woman.
South Columbia Search and Rescue wrote on their Facebook site that the number of river hazards and jog jams hampered their efforts Saturday.
“We had 20 members attend. Four swiftwater teams searched the river and all log jams and debris fields for several hours again. Unfortunately we were unable to locate our subject. The use of a helicopter was needed to help us move members and equipment in the field to help aid with our search efforts. Thanks to all teams involved and your hard work again on this difficult task.”
RCMP issued a release Friday stating “It is important that everyone entering onto any body of water to be aware of the hazards and to take all safety precautions they can. This is including wearing life jackets, letting people know where you are going and what time you are expecting to return.”
The identity of the missing woman has not been released.
