An outdoorsman's common sense kept him safe and aided his rescue during a weekend adventure gone wrong.
On Saturday, the 51-year-old Quesnel man set out on a Fraser River kayak trip from White's Landing near Hixon intending to arrive in Quesnel later that same day. When he didn't arrive by 8 p.m. and wouldn't respond to cell phone calls, concerned loved ones contacted police. It was too dark to launch an effective search that night, but a substantial effort got underway at daylight Sunday morning.
He was found in good health by 11 a.m. Quesnel RCMP spokeswoman Const. Krista Vrolyk said the kayaker had done all the correct things to ensure the outcome was a happy one, starting with having a loved one on the alert.
"Fortunately, the experienced kayaker was equipped with a survival pack, food, clothing and blankets," Vrolyk said. "The man advised that he spent the night along the river after realizing that the distance being covered was farther than he anticipated. Fortunately, he was prepared to survive the below-freezing temperatures. The fact that he had a planned route with a predetermined destination and arrival time allowed searchers to better focus their efforts."
The search was conducted by the RCMP's Quesnel detachment, RCMP Air Services, and the trained volunteers of Quesnel Search and Rescue.
In addition to the missing man, the searchers also found another item of concern. River conditions were not favourable for human recreation.
"Search and rescue officials reported the presence of ice jams, [discharging ice blocks] the size of small vehicles further upriver," said Vrolyk, with the kayaker directly in danger before searchers intercepted him, "and successfully diverted him away from this potentially hazardous and fatal situation."
RCMP want to remind members of the public to be well prepared for any unforeseen circumstances when doing any back-country recreation. Always ensure you are well equipped with food and survival gear, ensure family and friends are aware of your route and that someone is aware of your final destination and anticipated arrival time. Be mindful that cellular phone coverage is generally not available in most back-country locations. Consider carrying a personal GPS tracking device similar to those used by back country skiers and snowmobilers.
