Image Credit: FACEBOOK/Vernon Search and Rescue
February 10, 2021 - 11:24 AM
When the first vehicle got stuck, they called for back-up. When the back-up vehicle then got stuck they called for more back-up. When the back-up back-up vehicle got stuck, they called 911.
Vernon Search and Rescue volunteers along with RCMP officers had to help 15 individuals who got stuck on an icy forest service road north of Lavington Sunday evening, Feb. 7.
According to a Vernon Search and Rescue Facebook post, the incident happened near Becker Lake north of Lavington.
"As the scene began to unfold, it was discovered that a number of teens in different vehicles had driven up the icy road earlier in the day and had become hopelessly stuck at several locations," Vernon Search and Rescue said in the post. "They called friends to help get them, who then became stuck themselves on their way to assist. Then a number of parents were called to assist as well, only to become stuck too."
Search and rescue said that conditions changed during the day and as evening fell the temperature dropped and the icy road conditions worsened.
Rescuers used utility terrain vehicles and snowmobiles to access the vehicles on the icy road.
"One by one, search and rescue members came across immobile vehicles strung along the mountain road. A relay system was created to shuttle the subjects down the mountain, as there was only a single lane available," search and rescue said.
In total 15 individuals were transported down the mountain to warmth and safety.
Search and rescue says there are several very important lessons to be learnt from the incident and stresses that search and rescue services are free to use by calling 911.
"People should know that it’s perfectly OK to call for help when they are in trouble, or if conditions or situations are worsening," reads the post. "If the call had been made sooner in the day the search and rescue mission may have been accomplished much easier, and finished much sooner as well."
Search and rescue also remind the public that those using backroads should be prepared to stay overnight in case of an accident. Cell phones and other electronics often don't work and being prepared for emergencies incidents like this can turn a potentially dangerous situation into an uncomfortable inconvenience.
More information and tips can be found at the Adventure Smart website here.
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