Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue - Station 37 Sooke

08/14/2026

Come Meet RCMSAR Station 37 Members at the All Sooke Day Family Picnic!

Looking for a fun way to learn more about your local marine rescue team?

Come visit the RCMSAR Station 37 at All Sooke Day this Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fred Milne Park.

Our rescue volunteers will be there to chat about what we do, share stories from the water, answer your questions, and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to volunteer with Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue.

Whether you're curious about marine search and rescue, interested in volunteering, or just want to meet some of the people who help keep our local waters safe, stop by and say hello!

Saturday, August 15
Fred Milne Park, Sooke
⏰ 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
We'd love to see you there!

08/13/2026

https://sookenewsmirror.com/2026/08/13/sooke-volunteer-takes-search-and-rescue-skills-to-wales/

A Sooke marine rescue volunteer spent 10 days in Wales teaching lifesaving skills

08/06/2026

August 5, 2026
Rescue on the Juan de Fuca Trail
RCMSAR 37 Sooke

There are places where the landscape itself becomes part of the journey. The Juan de Fuca Trail is one of those places.

Along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, the trail moves through a world shaped by rain, wind, and time. Recently the JDF trail opened up after being closed for over a year -- it needed many repairs after intense winter storms brought trees down affecting bridges and blocking the route.

The trail is a narrow corridor of mud, roots, and stone. Creeks cut across the path. Steep banks fall away toward the Pacific Ocean. The views are unforgettable—but the muddy, dense trail demands attention.

Hikers have come here seeking solitude, challenge, and connection with the natural world. Yet the same wilderness that inspires also asks something in return: Preparation, situational awareness, humility, and respect.

Northwest of Minute Creek, on a wet and rugged section of trail, a hiker suffered a serious fall. A day of exploration changed in an instant, and a call for help went out from one of Vancouver Island’s most remote and beautiful coastlines.

The response was swift.

Approximately twenty-five members of Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue and Metchosin Search and Rescue mobilized toward Sombrio Beach. Their mission would take them into terrain they know well—terrain that offers no easy shortcuts. The forest floor is uneven and slippery. Roots cross the trail like natural obstacles. Steep slopes and difficult access mean that every movement must be deliberate.

Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue from Sooke, BC was also tasked, prepared to assist with evacuation if the safest option was by sea and to transport search and rescue personnel between Sombrio Beach and Minute Creek.

The rescue vessel moved along a coastline where wilderness and human activity exist side by side. It passed beneath cliffs and along a shoreline scattered with boulders and exposed rock. Nearby, humpback whales harvested food along the shoreline, while surfers waited for waves along the same coast. It was a powerful reminder that this place holds many stories at once—adventure, recreation, beauty, and, sometimes, moments when people need help.

Our crew brought the rescue vessel directly onto the beach, with ocean swell rolling in, allowing search teams and equipment to move efficiently between land and sea. Later, additional responders would be transported as the operation continued. Each landing required skill. Each decision required teamwork.

As the hours passed, a helicopter was tasked to assist. From above, it offered a way through the challenges of distance and terrain. The injured hiker was safely evacuated by helicopter to BC Ambulace, while ground teams were later moved from the trail by both air and marine support.

The operation was a reminder not only of the dedication of search and rescue volunteers, but also of the importance of preparation before entering the backcountry.

08/05/2026

https://cheknews.ca/two-youth-with-boat-engine-failure-rescued-off-east-sooke-as-wind-speed-approached-20-knots-1340219/

Crews battled windy conditions in the waters off East Sooke to rescue two youths on a boat that was experiencing engine failure.

08/03/2026

RCMSAR Station 37
In the late afternoon of July 30, 2026, RCMSAR Station 37 was tasked to assist two recreational fishers experiencing engine failure in the waters off East Sooke. At the time of the incident, conditions were deteriorating, with winds increasing to approximately 20 knots, building chop, and strong tidal currents creating challenging operating conditions for a disabled vessel.
Recognizing the developing risk, the two youth made the prudent decision to seek shelter rather than attempt to continue navigating in worsening conditions. They successfully paddled their vessel into a protected surge channel surrounded by steep coastal cliffs. Although they were unable to safely exit the area under their own power, their decision placed them in a location where they were protected from the exposed waters and reduced the risk of capsizing in the cold marine environment.

Both individuals were wearing personal flotation devices and were able to attract the attention of a nearby observer, who recognized their situation and contacted emergency services. This early notification and the individuals’ preparation significantly contributed to a positive outcome.

Upon arrival, the RCMSAR crew conducted an assessment of the scene and carefully evaluated the approach into the narrow channel. The coxswain, drawing on extensive operational experience, successfully maneuvered the vessel into position while accounting for confined waters, surge, depth limitations, and surrounding hazards.

The helmsperson played a critical role in maintaining vessel control and position within a dynamic environment, allowing the remaining crew members to safely complete the recovery operation. Crew responsibilities included maintaining situational awareness, monitoring hazards, assisting the individuals aboard the rescue vessel, securing their disabled boat for tow, and completing additional safety assessments.

The operation demonstrated the importance of preparation, communication, teamwork, and sound decision-making in marine rescue. Each crew member contributed to the successful outcome through the ex*****on of their assigned roles and a coordinated approach to managing risk.

During the transit back to safe harbour, the emotional state of the two adolescents visibly changed. The stress and uncertainty they had experienced gave way to relief, conversation, and appreciation for the support provided by RCMSAR Station 37.

This incident serves as a reminder that effective rescue is often the result of many small decisions made correctly: individuals preparing themselves before trouble occurs, bystanders recognizing when assistance is needed, and trained responders working together to safely resolve complex situations.

08/03/2026

July 29, 2026
RCMSAR Station 37 – Marine Towing Operations and Disabled Vessel Assistance Training on the Strait of Juan de Fuca

RCMSAR Station 37 had the opportunity to conduct marine towing operations and disabled vessel assistance training with new crew members on the dynamic waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

These exercises are an important part of developing the skills required to safely support mariners in challenging conditions. The training focused on the complete process of assisting a disabled vessel: conducting a thorough scene assessment, establishing effective communication between vessels and crew, preparing and deploying the tow system, safely transferring control of the vessel, and managing the tow through changing marine conditions.

The strength of this type of training lies not only in learning technical procedures, but in understanding the decisions behind them. By breaking the operation into smaller experiential learning components, trainees were able to build confidence step by step—first developing an understanding of each individual task, then bringing those skills together into a coordinated towing operation.

A key part of effective crew development is recognizing that knowledge and skills are not simply passed from one person to another; they are built through experience, communication, trust, and shared learning. Clear coaching, thoughtful feedback, and opportunities to practice allow new crew members to develop both confidence and sound judgment.

The Strait provided an unforgettable classroom that evening. The sun slowly descended into the western horizon while a large orange moon rose in the east. Two humpback whales traveled along the coastline near our vessels, and between Secretary Island and Possession Point we caught sight of a sea otter floating on the surface, patiently working to open sea urchins.

These moments stood in beautiful contrast to the winter training season on the Strait—the darkness, cold rain, strong winds, and steep chop that challenge both equipment and crew. Those demanding conditions build resilience and prepare us for the moments when other mariners need assistance.

Training on the water is never only about procedures, equipment, or checklists. It is about developing character, strengthening teamwork, respecting a powerful and changing environment, and ensuring that knowledge continues to be carried forward so that future crews are prepared to serve when it matters most.

06/05/2026

Where the land (SAR) ⛑️ meets the sea (SAR) 🛟

04/26/2026

What great way to wrap up National Volunteer Week with our volunteer SAR colleagues at Metchosin Search and Rescue, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue - Station Oak Bay, and Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue - Station 35 Victoria!