‘Ripping up and down’: Three dead after boating incident on Squamish River

Three people are dead after a boat accident in the Upper Squamish River.

The accident was reported just before 2 p.m. Thursday.

Mounties said: “Due to elevated water levels and challenging weather conditions, search, rescue and recovery efforts on Nov. 12 were extremely difficult and unsafe for emergency responders. As a result, search, rescue and recovery operations are continuing today.”

Calling it a “time-sensitive and complex response,” Squamish Mounties are being assisted by Squamish Search and Rescue, RCMP aircraft, a police emergency response team, RCMP divers and the RCMP’s marine section. While two bodies were located earlier, the third wasn’t located until Friday.

The complexities, technical elements of the area and flooding required the deployment of specialized resources to support operations, and recovery operations were underway on Friday afternoon.

Investigators continue to gather and assess information as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to please come forward and speak to police.

“The weather and river conditions have played a significant role in the response efforts,” said Cpl. Ashley MacKay.

“This is a very dynamic and evolving incident, and the safety of responders and the public remains paramount,” said MacKay.

“Weather patterns, water levels, and river conditions can change rapidly, and those factors are being continuously assessed as search and recovery efforts continue. We are asking the public to stay off the water at this time due to dangerous flow rates and debris throughout the river systems.”

Earlier Friday, MLA-elect Jeremy Valeriote confirmed the deaths and said he was devastated.

“My thoughts are with their families and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

“For the past week, communities in the Sea to Sky have been grappling with the impacts of severe flooding, responding to warnings, evacuations, and significant disruption.

“It has been an incredibly difficult and exhausting time for residents, businesses, and first responders.”

There are reports the people were killed while using a boat to rescue others stranded on the Upper Squamish River.

The deaths occurred in an area administered by the Squamish Lillooet Regional District area D.

The MLA-elect says the tragic deaths “brings another layer of heartbreak to a community that has already been through so much.”

“The Sea to Sky is a strong and resilient community, but no one should have to navigate this alone. My team and I are here to support residents however we can as the community begins the difficult process of recovery.”

In a Facebook post North Shore Rescue says they assisted in the rescue operation yesterday.

More to come …