A man had to cling to debris from his sunken vessel for more than an hour after it capsized on Stuart Lake near Fort St. James on Tuesday, July 8.
Fort St. James RCMP say three people needed to be rescued after a 17.5-foot vessel capsized near Sowchea Bay. Before officers arrived, RCMP say a nearby resident heard cries for help, launched their boat, and went to assist.
One man and a child made it safely to shore, but another adult male needed to be rescued.
The individual who was left behind had reportedly been in the water for about 90 minutes and was unable to climb aboard the nearby resident’s vessel. Police said he remained afloat by clinging to debris from his sunken boat while waiting for the police rescue.
RCMP found the man in the water and brought him on board the police vessel. Officers then made their way to shore to get the other man and the child before transporting all three to Pitka Bay. There, they were assessed by B.C. Emergency Health Services.
Police say the man who had to be rescued from the water wasn’t wearing a personal flotation device. However, the other man and the child were each wearing a personal flotation device.
Fort St. James RCMP is reminding everyone of water safety as we head into the summer months and ahead of the local fishing derby:
• Wear a properly fitted PFD or lifejacket at all times while on the water;
• Ensure all required safety equipment is onboard and readily accessible;
• Check weather and water conditions before departing;
• Let someone know their boating plans and expected return time; and
• Regularly inspect their vessel to ensure it is safe and seaworthy.