Search and rescue helps injured biker and takes part in lake search

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue had a busy Tuesday night, with requests for their services on two incidents.

The first was to help an injured mountain biker on the Gillard Forest Service Road trails.

The rider crashed on Casino Royale and suffered multiple injuries to his knees, wrist and collar bone and was unable to ride out

More than a dozen search and rescue volunteers responded and helped bring him to a waiting ambulance using the TrailRider wheeled chair.

Less than two hours later, COSAR’s boat team was asked to support the RCMP and the Kelowna Fire Department in a search of Okanagan Lake.

A resident reported seeing lights on lake that didn’t appear normal and police suspected a boat was adrift in the 30 to 40 km/h winds.

When authorities investigated they found an abandoned 23-foot Chaparral ski boat.

The boat had all its running lights on, but was taking on water. No passengers were aboard.

Police contacted SAR to help search as it was believed multiple people were in the water separated from their boat.

Seven COSAR members responded to the incident with one team on the ground prepared to follow up on any shoreline sightings.

However, police found a driver’s license on the boat and managed to contact the owner and it turned out everyone was safely on shore.

The boat was towed ashore and anchored.