Stranded snowmobilers prepared to spend night

Officials say two snowmobilers who got stranded in the North Okanagan backcountry had the right equipment to make sure they could be rescued.

Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) were called on by the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP on Friday evening (Jan. 26) to search for two lost snowmobilers in the Kingfisher area of Hunter’s Range, east of Enderby.

“The two riders had become stuck in the heavy snow, but fortunately were equipped with a satellite communication device which pinpointed their location for search crews,” VSAR said on social media.

Weather conditions were poor in the search area (VSAR photo/Facebook)

The search team said the area was difficult to access.

“After several hours of searching for a safe route in the very poor weather conditions, the team was able to walk in the last few hundred metres to the subjects. They were equipped to spend the night, and had a fire going and a small shelter built,” the organization said.

Shelter built by stranded snowmobilers (VSAR photo/Facebook)

The riders were walked back out and brought down on snowmobiles.

Vernon SAR is thanking members of the Hunters Range Snowmobile Association for their assistance during the incident.

The group is also reminding outdoor enthusiasts that satellite communication devices such as inReach, Zoleo and Spot make it much easier for search crews to provide assistance to lost or injured subjects.

VSAR also points out that search and rescue services are always free in B.C. and people should not hesitate to call for help.