Search For Stranded Boaters

Wednesday, July 11, 2007 10:11 PM

Prince George RCMP say an exhaustive search of stretches of both the Nechako and Fraser Rivers has failed to find any signs of a boat believed to be having motor trouble.

Police received reports of the aluminum boat being stranded on the Nechako, near the Cameron Street Bridge, at around 7pm tonight.

Witnesses report seeing between 6 and 8 people attempting to paddle the vessel, while trying to re-start the motor. RCMP say other witnesses report hearing the people screaming for assistance.

Constable KL Mazur says several jetboats and a helicopter were involved in the search. But despite several hours and 60-kilometres of river being covered, Mazur says the boat in question was not found. Investigators have concluded the boat and boaters left the river safely. Furthermore, Mazur says, there have been no reports of overdue boaters or missing persons.

However, RCMP are appealing to the boaters involved to contact the Prince George detachment so that their safety can be firmly established.

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