March 5,2023
Once again, Vernon Search and Rescue answered the call. Around 6 pm on Friday, North Okanagan RCMP requested assistance to find a missing snowmobiler.
Separated from his companions, the snowmobiler was able to use his iPhone SOS and SPOT device to assist VSAR and RCMP.
The weather and considerable avalanche risk slowed the rescue operation.
Sixteen VSAR members, assisted by two members from the Hunters Range Snowmobile Association and Lumby Mabel Lake Snowmobile Association, managed to find the sledder and bring him down just after 2 am.
The sledder was well-prepared with survival equipment. Before VSAR reached him, he had built a snow cave shelter and was even trying to start a fire.
For more information, and to see a photo of the snow cave, please visit the VSAR web page at https://vernonsar.ca/"