Quesnel- A 51 year old kayaker is back in Quesnel safe and sound after spending Saturday night on the banks of the Fraser River .

On Saturday, at around 8pm,  RCMP were advised that a 51 year old Quesnel man had launched his kayak at White’s Landing near Dunkley earlier that day with plans to arrive in Quesnel before dark.  When he failed to arrive and he could not be reached on his cellular phone, a concerned friend reported him missing to RCMP.  Fortunately, the experienced kayaker was equipped with a survival pack, food, clothing and blankets.  Quesnel Search and Rescue and Quesnel RCMP determined that a day time search of the river and surrounding area would commence first thing on Sunday morning.

 

On Sunday, March 25th, local volunteers from Quesnel Search and Rescue, the Quesnel RCMP and RCMP Air Services began coordinated search efforts of the area.  The male was located by RCMP and Search and Rescue shortly after 11 am as he was approaching an ice jam approximately 25 miles north of Quesnel.  Search and Rescue officials reported the presence of ice jams the size of small vehicles further upriver and successfully diverted him away from this potentially hazardous and fatal situation.

 

Quesnel RCMP would like to thank the local representatives and volunteers from Quesnel Search and Rescue.  This outcome would not be possible without your efforts and dedication.