Vancouver (Rajeev Sharma): A family of four was brought to safety after becoming stranded overnight in freezing conditions along a remote forest road in British Columbia’s Central Okanagan region, officials confirmed.
Volunteers from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) were mobilised in the early hours of January 24 following a distress call from the group, whose vehicle became immobilised on Bear Main Forest Service Road near Islaht Lake. The area, known for rugged terrain and limited connectivity, posed significant challenges for rescuers.
According to COSAR, active logging operations had left the roadway coated in ice, making it treacherous to navigate. Temperatures in the region had plunged to around minus 14 degrees Celsius, further increasing the risks for those trapped in the cold.
Responding teams deployed a combination of utility terrain vehicles and snowmobiles to reach the stranded family, carefully manoeuvring across the frozen and uneven surface. After several hours of coordinated effort, rescuers successfully located the group and escorted them to safety.
COSAR officials credited the swift response of volunteers and specialised equipment for preventing a potentially life-threatening situation. They also urged motorists to exercise caution when travelling in isolated areas during winter, stressing the importance of checking weather conditions, carrying emergency supplies, and informing others of travel plans.
No injuries were reported, and the family was assessed to be in stable condition following the rescue.
