Comox Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) were once again activated for a backcountry rescue last week.
A teenager sustained an ankle injury at Lake Helen Mackenzie on Thursday, August 14, leaving her unable to walk out on her own.
In a social media post, CVSAR said challenging weather conditions made the rescue mission difficult.
“Our first plan was to evacuate by helicopter, but with fog, smoke, and low cloud cover, neither commercial aircraft nor RCMP Air 8 were able to access the lake.”
The rescue instead saw 12 members hike in with a wheeled stretcher, splinting the injured ankle and getting her ready for transport.
The team then carried her to Raven Lodge, approximately an hour and a half down the trail, before being transferred to BCEHS.
CVSAR said the rescue serves as a good reminder there’s always a backup plan available, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
