Canada Global(Web News)The search for a man missing after a landslide near Kelowna has ended in tragedy.
Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) says the slide, which occurred on April 1, sent 20,000 tonnes of debris across Westside Road into Okanagan Lake.
Crews were sent to search an already occupied camp in the area. After working for a day, searchers were told they could stand down.
A few days later, a man believed to have been driving in the area was reported missing. Crews returned on April 6.
COSAR said, “What followed were six long operational periods and nearly 1,000 hours of volunteer time — on land and water —
“ground crews. Drones. Boats. K9. Mutual aid from Vernon SAR.” Everyone is working together to systematically search a very large and dangerous area.
One of the dogs involved in the search indicated that there may be something in the water where the debris field is believed to be.
Despite technical issues with our Remotely Operated Vehicle (one of only three in B.C.), our marine team was able to locate the wreckage with a vehicle submerged in the debris, the group said.
The missing vehicle and its driver were found in 155 feet of water on April 12.
COSAR says the RCMP’s underwater team has taken over the recovery effort.