BREAKING: Choppers called off in search for three missing teens in fatal lake accident
By Kyra Hoggan
Helicopter crews have been called off after completing the search of Slocan Lake and its shoreline at roughly 12:30 p.m. Sunday, according to RCMP Sgt. Darryl Little.
Little, now in New Denver en route to the search site itself, said there are still two Search & Rescue boats inspecting the lake in hopes of finding three teens missing after a canoeing accident late yesterday afternoon.
The fourth canoe passenger died last night in hospital.
Little said the search will likely continue until either the young people are found or darkness makes searching dangerous.
“I would think that’s how we’ll proceed, but we’re evaluating the situation as it evolves,” he said.
While some media outlets have released the names of the four youth via social media, Little said he can’t confirm whether one immediate family member has been notified, and police therefor decline to release any names at this time.
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Earlier reports that five teens were involved in a canoeing accident were incorrect but, tragically, the reports were correct when indicating one youth has died.
RCMP Sgt. Darryl Little issued a press release at roughly 10:30 a.m., which reads as follows:
“On Saturday, May 10 at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Slocan Lake RCMP were notified of two people holding onto a partially submerged canoe in Slocan Lake.
“The canoe was approximately 150 meters from shore. Slocan Lake Search and Rescue, with assistance of the BC Ambulance Service and Slocan Lake Fire Department were immediately dispatched to the scene.
“The responders located an unconscious female inside the canoe, however, could not locate the other two people. Local enquires determined that four young people, ranging in age from 16-21 had departed from New Denver and planned to canoe to Roseburry on far side of Slocan Lake, a distance of approximately six kms.
“The female was taken to the New Denver medical center, however, passed away overnight. The search for the remaining three people was suspended last night due to darkness.
“At 6 a.m., Search and Rescue, along with the RCMP Dive Team and Air Service, re-commenced the search in a effort to locate the remaining three people.
“The conditions at the time of the incident were good and the water was calm, however, Slocan Lake is extremely cold. The lake is estimated to be approximately 250 feet deep where the canoe submerged. None of the people were wearing life jackets and police cannot confirm if there were any in the canoe at the time.
“Three of the youths were from the New Denver area the other from Gibsons.”
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