Three people survived a boat capsizing at Stuart Lake near Fort St. James, B.C., after one man spent 90 minutes in the water.
Dramatic Lake Rescue Unfolds Near Northern B.C. Community
A quiet day on Stuart Lake turned into a frightening rescue mission after a small boat capsized near Fort St. James, B.C. Three people were pulled to safety after the vessel sank in Sowchea Bay, just west of the northern Interior community.
According to police, the incident happened Tuesday when the boat suddenly overturned. However, quick action from nearby residents and emergency crews helped prevent a tragic outcome.
Man Spends 90 Minutes in Water Before Rescue
Two passengers, a man and a child, were wearing personal flotation devices when the boat went down. As a result, they were able to swim safely to shore.
Meanwhile, a third passenger faced a much more dangerous situation. The man was not wearing a life-jacket and struggled to get into boats that arrived after residents heard his calls for help.
Instead, he remained in the cold water for about 90 minutes while holding onto debris from the sunken boat. Eventually, an RCMP vessel reached him and brought him to safety.
All Three Checked by Paramedics After Rescue
After the rescue, paramedics assessed all three people on shore. Their current conditions have not been released.
Police continue to remind boaters about the importance of wearing personal flotation devices, especially when travelling on open water. A life-jacket can make a critical difference during unexpected accidents.
Recent B.C. Water Incidents Raise Safety Concerns
The Fort St. James rescue comes after several recent boat-related incidents across British Columbia.
For example, a charter boat sank off Metro Vancouver on June 28, leaving one woman dead and six others missing and feared drowned. Therefore, officials are again urging boaters to take extra precautions before heading onto the water.
With summer boating season underway, safety experts say preparation, proper equipment, and wearing flotation devices remain key steps to reducing risks on B.C. lakes and coastal waters.
