It was another busy year for the volunteer-operated Campbell River Search and Rescue, with its call-out range varied across Vancouver Island and surrounding areas.
In a recent release, CRSAR says its team had 63 calls for service, up from 54 calls last year.
Those calls varied from missing persons to medical rescues, water rescues, mountain rescues, and SPOT beacon calls.
As the northernmost team on the island, members are responsible for a large area.
From the Oyster River north to Port Hardy, east to Bute Inlet and sections of the B.C. mainland coast, west to Nootka island, CRSAR is responsible for all land and inland waterway search and rescue.
In 2019, rope rescue, swift water rescue, medical rescue, mountain rescue, tracking, and K9 teams were tasked to look for missing persons while also receiving training in the latest search and rescue techniques.
CRSAR performed five hoist rescues in the backcountry this year, which involved placing a helicopter team into an inaccessible area to rescue trapped or injured subjects.
2019 highlights include a higher call volume, public relations events, prevention awareness and education efforts, and an investment by the province of British Columbia for a more sustainable funding model.
To learn more about Campbell River Search and Rescue, visit this website.
