Emergency crews in Calgary successfully rescued two individuals from the treacherous ice of the Bow River on Sunday, but a tragic search continues for a beloved family pet who fell into the frigid waters.
Dramatic Rescue Unfolds Near Bowmont Park
The incident occurred shortly before noon on Sunday, January 13, 2026, in the area of Bowmont Park. According to officials, the chain of events began when a dog ventured onto the unstable river ice and fell through. In a desperate attempt to save the animal, its owner also ended up in the dangerously cold water of the Bow River.
A quick-thinking bystander witnessed the person fall into the river and was able to assist, pulling the individual to relative safety onto the ice. When Calgary Fire Department crews arrived at the scene, they found both the dog owner and the helpful bystander on the ice. Firefighters then assisted both people safely to shore.
Extensive Search Fails to Locate Missing Pet
Following the human rescue, the department's aquatic rescue team immediately launched a search for the missing dog. Teams scoured the area and conducted a downstream search, but were unable to locate the animal. The person who had fallen into the river was treated at the scene by emergency medical services and subsequently transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
The missing dog, named Coffee, is described as an 80-pound male black lab mix. He has a distinctive white stripe on his chest and an underbite. His owner has posted on the YYC Pet Recovery Facebook page, pleading for the public's help. The post describes Coffee as friendly and food-motivated, and asks anyone who finds him to take him to a veterinary clinic. "We miss him very much," the heartfelt post stated.
Fire Department Issues Critical Safety Reminder
In a statement released online on Tuesday, the Calgary Fire Department commended the bystander for their swift actions, which likely prevented a worse outcome. The department also took the opportunity to issue a stern warning to all Calgarians about the dangers of river ice.
"Reminder: River ice can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable," the statement read. The fire department strongly advised the public to keep pets on a leash near frozen waterways and to stay off river ice or any other ice surface on moving water.
This incident serves as a harrowing example of the risks associated with frozen rivers, which often have hidden currents that weaken ice from below, making it far less stable than ice on stationary ponds or lakes. Authorities urge anyone who sees a person or animal in trouble on the ice to call 911 immediately and not to attempt a rescue themselves, to avoid becoming victims.
