Hiker rescued by boat, helicopter from Naramata – Okanagan

Two hikers were stranded on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake near Chute Lake Lodge on Tuesday after one was injured.

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue said it was a difficult rescue due to the difficult terrain and the nature of the injury.

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COSAR sent a 12-member ground team as well as a medical team by helicopter and after a short search. The duo was eventually located by the RCMP and transferred to the lake.

“Due to the large amount of dead, it was decided to use a boat from Chute Lake Lodge to transport her to the West Rim,” COSAR said in a press release. “She was then loaded into the helicopter and eventually transported to the BC Ambulance Service.”

Search manager Duane Tresnich said John Graham Helicopters, Chute Lake Lodge and the RCMP helped with the process.

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He also wanted to remind outdoor enthusiasts to visit adventuresmart.ca and practice the 3 Ts, which are trip planning, essentials and training.

Since the start of 2022, there have been 25 COSAR rescues. In 2021, COSAR had its busiest year and received over 100 calls. The previous year, there were 84 searches.

It was also a record for the organization which has existed since 1954.