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Shuswap RCMP respond after woman goes missing from Banana Island

Chase RCMP assist in successful search efforts in August
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The Chase RCMP and Kamloops Search & Rescue were called to assist with two water rescues in August, both of which ended with the safe return of the missing individuals. (File photo by Jeff Stokoe)

A few people found themselves up a creek without a paddle in the Shuswap recently, requiring water rescues by local authorities. 

At 10 p.m. on Aug. 5, Chase RCMP were asked to assist at Adams Lake Provincial Park where three children – ages 8, 13 and 16 – had gone out on floaties and hadn't returned before dark as expected. Kamloops Search & Rescue was called and prepared for an overnight search. 

"Upon arrival at the campground, police were told the children had been swept across the lake by the wind," Const. Sarah Van Wilgenburg said in a media release. "They were found by boaters who returned them to the campground."

She added the kids were cold but otherwise fine. 

At 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 18, the Chase detachment received a request for help in locating a lost person, with the caller reporting his 47-year-old girlfriend was missing from Banana Island Provincial Park in the South Thompson River. 

"Police were told the girlfriend left their boat to go for a walk and subsequently vanished," Van Wilgenburg said in the release, adding that the caller had been searching for about an hour and was getting concerned.

Officers called search and rescue for assistance and a team was deployed. 

"At approximately 3 a.m., police received an update that the female had returned. She got lost in the dark and started floating down the river," Van Wilgenburg explained of the situation. "She was located by boaters who returned her to the island. Alcohol was believed to be a factor."

 



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