BC RCMP Underwater Recovery Team was out on the Fraser River Tuesday, April 28, searching for a person who reportedly went into the water and didn’t resurface.
First responders were first called to the Port Haney Wharf, in the 22400 block of River Road, at around 10:35 a.m. on Monday, April 27, after a report that somebody was in the Fraser River.
Maple Ridge RCMP immediately attended the area along with Maple Ridge Fire and Rescue and BC Emergency Health Services, and learned that an adult male may have fallen into the water.
Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue also responded shortly after and responded from the water, explained Brent Boulet, team leader with the local group.
“We had two boats on scene,” said Boulet.
Police closed down pedestrian access to the wharf, and began searching with flashlights, trying to see under the wharf and looking through the cracks in the wharf.
A blue bicycle and garbage bag filled with items could be seen on the wharf near where first responders were searching for the person.
BC RCMP Air Services had a police helicopter circling the area and Search and Rescue travelled several kilometres downstream from where the incident took place but couldn’t find anything.
Boulet said the search was eventually suspended after first responders felt they searched everywhere they could without finding anyone in distress in the water or surfacing on the waterline.
The search has now been handed over to the RCMP.
Boulet noted that any search in the Fraser River is difficult.
“We have current and tides to consider. The water is very murky, so the use of underwater cameras isn’t feasible,” he said. “It’s a moving environment.”
Investigators are speaking with individuals who were on the scene to help them learn the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Emergency service providers are still investigating and are asking that the public avoid the area at this time.
Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact Maple Ridge RCMP at 604-463-6251 and quote file #2026-7971.
• More to come as information becomes available