A fisherman's quick response has helped local search teams rescue a member of the public from the Fraser River in Hope.
Hope Search and Rescue (SAR) were on the Fraser River late Thursday night (Aug. 21) after receiving reports from the public about someone crying for help. Hope SAR immediately began a search along the riverbanks. By the next morning (Aug. 22), the search and rescue coordinated their efforts with Valley Helicopters Ltd. and members from Kent Harrison Search and Rescue.
Valley Helicopters took a few Hope SAR members to search the river from above, and Kent Harrison SAR worked with the rest of the Hope team to continue the search by water.
The individual was eventually rescued by noon after a fisherman in the area spotted them "a good distance down the river."
"We'd like to give special thanks to the fisherman who first spotted the individual on the riverbank, called for help, and stayed with them until rescuers arrived," Hope SAR said via social media. "His quick action made a critical difference. We are also grateful to the community members who also responded so quickly."
Hope SAR wants to remind people to always call 911 first in an emergency situation as that ensures the fastest response.
