Search and Rescue called to help stranded motorists

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) was called into action for the third time in the last week and a half.

Team members were dispatched to the Kettle Valley Railway around 10:30 p.m. Thursday to rescue a group that went four-wheel driving and got stuck near Lebanon Lake, prompting a call for help.

“According to reports, a group trying to make it to Chute Lake became stuck and called friends in a recovery vehicle, which also got stuck,” said Ed Henczel from COSAR.

Search members used their tracked UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) to reach and rescue four people and their dog.

“The problem with the KVR this time of year is it’s a very rutted ice road,” said search manager Brian Stainsby. “Unless you got chains, it kicks your vehicle around and if you get into the snow, it’s hard to get out. We’ve seen this scenario many times over the years.”

“People need to be prepared for winter conditions. It’s still winter in the mountains and it gets very cold at night. It’s a 10 minute drive up Gillard Forest Service Road, but it’s a three hour walk down.”

It was just the latest incident in a busy past few days for COSAR.

On Tuesday search crews rescued a 14-year-old snowmobiler in Greystokes Provincial Park after he became separated from his family and spent the night outside.

A week earlier, COSAR found a missing 60-year-old sledder who spent the night in the same area.

COSAR is reminding outdoor enthusiasts to check adventuresmart.ca to learn more about the the three Ts: trip plans, training and the ten essentials, saying it will make everyone’s life better.