Fraser Valley – Shortly after midnight December 11, North Shore Rescue NSR’s night hoist helicopter rescue team was tasked on Mutual Aid to Chilliwack SAR for a flood rescue. A group of 5 individuals and 4 dogs were trapped on an island in the Chilliwack River, with flood waters rising all around them. (Other reports claim this was a homeless camp, but that has not been confirmed).
Two NSR helicopter rescue technicians responded along with our partner Talon Helicopters and flew to the Chilliwack River Valley. Over the course of several hours, all individuals and dogs were successfully rescued via hoist in challenging conditions (winds, tight trees, and rising floodwaters). Crews were back in North Vancouver just after 5:30AM.
It should be noted that NSR has several K9 rescue kits, which include dog harnesses specifically for helicopter rescue, funded by past donations, which greatly assisted in this response.
Big thanks to Chilliwack SAR for all their coordination and assistance, during what was surely a long night for them.
