Eleven people were rescued from the water near Ambleside Beach on Sunday after their canoe capsized, according to B.C. RCMP. All individuals suffered various degrees of cold water exposure or hypothermia, but police reported no major injuries.
Rescue Operation Details
The distress call came in around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, reporting an overturned canoe in West Vancouver. RCMP officers patrolling Burrard Inlet as part of World Cup security operations responded with four vessels. Paramedics and West Vancouver police also assisted.
Upon arrival, officers found 11 people, including several youths, clinging to the large overturned canoe. Police began pulling people from the water, and an RCMP diver jumped in to help those struggling to stay afloat.
Medical Assessment and Aftermath
All 11 were assessed at the scene. While all suffered cold water exposure or hypothermia, no major injuries were observed. Once police confirmed no one else was in the water, the canoe was attached to an RCMP vessel and towed to shore.
Cpl. Brett Urano stated, “This incident highlights how quickly a day on the water can turn into an emergency. We are grateful that everyone was safely recovered and would like to remind boaters that wearing a properly fitted life-jacket can significantly increase survival and safety in the event of an unexpected capsize.”
Context of Recent Water Safety Incidents
The rescue comes just one week after a fatal charter boat sinking off the coast of Richmond. Of the 10 people believed to be on board that vessel, only four were rescued, one of whom has since died in hospital. The remaining six are presumed drowned and their bodies have not been recovered. It is believed none of the 10 passengers were wearing life-jackets. The charter boat has since been located by an underwater RCMP drone, though further assessment is needed to determine how best to inspect the wreckage.
