Hope SAR volunteers rescue snowmobilers who slid over an embankment east of the Coquihalla Summit

Unlike some of its other rescue expeditions, Hope SAR says the two snowmobilers were actually well prepared for their backcountry excursion.

Image: Hope SAR / The backcountry around Sunday’s snowmobile rescue.

“We would like to acknowledge that the pair was well equipped with warm clothing and a Garmin inReach,” Hope SAR said. “There is no cell service in this area, and there were no other sledders nearby when this happened, so tools to communicate in the backcountry are essential for these types of emergencies.”

Teamwork was also essential for Hope SAR in getting its own cargo-hauling vehicle unstuck. It sat for seven hours in soft snow in freezing temperatures, which led to an unexpected hour of troubleshooting at the end of their rescue effort.

Hope SAR also reaffirmed to the public that it never asks for donations, nor does it judge anyone who requires rescue. In response to a question from a social media user about whether it accepts donations, Hope SAR said, “Sometimes people make donations, sometimes they don’t. We never ask but if someone asks if they can do something in appreciation, we’ll point them in that direction. We also don’t judge. Accidents happen and even if it were negligence, it’s not our job to judge. Our only goal is a successful rescue and to educate people so that others don’t make the same mistakes. We appreciate the sentiment though.”

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Hope SAR volunteers rescue snowmobilers who slid over an embankment east of the Coquihalla Summit

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