Eleven people had to be rescued following a distress call for an overturned canoe in the Burrard Inlet off the coast of Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver.
RCMP’s Tactical Marine Operations Group, which has been deployed to Vancouver for the World Cup activities in Vancouver, was doing patrols in Burrard Inlet on July 5 around 3:30 p.m. when they heard a distress call on Marine VHF Channel reporting an overturned canoe off the beach in West Vancouver, police said in a news release Wednesday (July 8).
While on route, police said the RCMP’s emergency response team coordinated with B.C. Emergency Health Services and the West Vancouver Police Department to help in responding to the call.
Officers found 11 people, including several youth, clinging to a large overturned canoe. They immediately started rescuing them from the water.
Police added that “due to the condition of some occupants who were experiencing difficulty remaining afloat,” a tactical rescue diver was used to help in the rescue effort.
All 11 people were safely rescued from the water and brought onto the RCMP vessels, police said. The rescue divers confirmed there were no others trapped beneath the overturned canoe and then towed it back to shore.
Some of the people rescued were suffering from exposure to cold water, but RCMP said there were no major injuries.
“This incident highlights how quickly a day on the water can turn into an emergency,” Cpl. Brett Urano said. “We are grateful that everyone was safely recovered and would like to remind boaters that wearing a properly fitted life jacket can significantly increase survival and safety in the event of an unexpected capsize.”
Police reminded people heading out on the water to ensure they have the appropriate safety equipment, including approved life jackets for everyone.
READ MORE: British Columbians reminded to use life jackets amid recent drowning deaths