Kitimat Search and Rescue

07/09/2026

https://northernsentinel.com/2026/07/04/kitimat-search-and-rescue-honoured-with-distinguished-citizen-award/

Community volunteers among residents recognized for service and leadership

07/06/2026

07/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kitimat Ground Search and Rescue Assists Two Stranded Fishermen on the Kitimat River

Kitimat, BC – July 3, 2026 – At approximately 9:40 a.m. on July 3, 2026, the RCMP tasked Kitimat Ground Search and Rescue (KGSAR) to assist two fishermen stranded on an island in the lower Kitimat River.

Ten KGSAR volunteers responded to the call. A rescue team of four members deployed by rescue boat, while additional members provided support from shore. A command team coordinated the response from across the river to ensure effective communication and safe operations.

The two fishermen had been caught off guard by rising river levels and were unable to safely leave the island. Both individuals were successfully reached and transported to safety by approximately 10:40 a.m.

It is a good reminder that even though its not raining hard and temperatures aren’t high, conditions on the Kitimat River are constantly changing. River levels can rise with little warning, making islands and gravel bars unsafe.

Kitimat Ground Search and Rescue would like to thank the RCMP and the Kitimat Hatchery staff for their assistance and cooperation, which contributed to the successful outcome of this incident.

Kitimat Ground Search and Rescue
Media Relations

07/02/2026

🏆 We are honoured to announce that Kitimat Ground Search and Rescue has received the 2026 Distinguished Citizen Award.

Presented on Canada Day, this award recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to build a strong and positive community.

This recognition belongs to every one of our dedicated volunteers, as well as our families, supporters, and community partners who make our work possible.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years. It is an honour to serve the Kitimat community, and we remain committed to being there when we're needed most.

❤️ Thank you, Kitimat.

07/01/2026

07/01/2026

Happy Canada Day! See you at the parade.

06/26/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kitimat Search and Rescue Locates Overdue Fisherman Following Overnight Search

Kitimat, BC – June 26, 2026

At approximately 3:06 a.m. on June 26, 2026, Kitimat Search and Rescue (KSAR) was requested by the Kitimat RCMP to assist in the search for an overdue fisherman who had failed to arrive at a pre-arranged pickup location the previous evening.

The individual had planned to float the upper Kitimat River between approximately 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. but did not arrive as expected. Their exact location was unknown.

Seven KSAR members responded to the call. Three members were deployed by helicopter to search priority areas along the river corridor while ground resources remained available to respond as needed. After an extensive search, crews narrowed their efforts to a high-probability area.

From the air, searchers located the missing individual after their boat had become caught in a logjam and capsized. The helicopter landed in a safe location less than 500 metres away, allowing two KSAR members to hike in and safely assist the individual back to the aircraft.

The search concluded successfully, and the task was stood down at approximately 9:30 a.m.

The upper Kitimat River is currently experiencing hazardous conditions due to recent high water levels. River channels continue to change, and numerous logjams present significant risks to anyone travelling on the water. KSAR strongly encourages anyone considering floating this section of river to ensure they have current local knowledge, advanced river-reading skills, and the experience necessary to safely navigate these conditions.

This incident also serves as an important reminder to prepare for the unexpected. The individual spent a cold and wet night in the forest and encountered wildlife during the ordeal including issues with a momma grizzly and her two second year cubs. Fortunately, they were wearing a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD), which likely played a significant role in the successful outcome of this rescue.

KSAR extends its appreciation to the Kitimat RCMP and Quantum Helicopters for their assistance and collaboration throughout this incident.

Kitimat Search and Rescue
Media Relations

05/29/2026

We would like to recognize and thank the many community partners, businesses, and volunteers who helped make this important project possible.

Through the generous donation of a sea can from Philip Mayer and the crew at AMECO, our team now has additional secure storage space to support emergency response equipment and operational needs for the future.

A special thank you to Steve, Shaun, and the crew at Daudet for providing the truck and transportation support needed to move the sea can from the airport to the Kitimat Fire Grounds. Coordinating and transporting a project of this size required time, equipment, and teamwork, and we greatly appreciate your support.

We would also like to sincerely thank Trent and Scott from the Kitimat Fire Department, along with the District of Kitimat, for making space available and allowing the sea can to be housed on DOK property. Their support and partnership help strengthen emergency preparedness and response capabilities within our community.

Finally, thank you to our own team members — Christie, Mike, Kelly, and Jason — for the work behind the scenes helping organize, coordinate, and complete this project from start to finish.

This project is a great example of what can be accomplished through strong community partnerships. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and support to help improve local emergency response capacity for Kitimat and the surrounding region.

05/25/2026

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Seconds Matter: A Grizzly Encounter, a Rescue, and the Power of Preparedness

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Seconds Matter: A Grizzly Encounter, a Rescue, and the Power of Preparedness In this powerful firsthand account, Shauna and her husband share the story of their unexpected grizzly bear encounter in the McGregor Mountains, northeast of Prince George. What began as a day outdoors quickly turned into a...