ON Sunday, May 13, at approximately 8 p.m., Squamish RCMP were notified by a local resident of two unoccupied red and black rafts in the Cheakamus River by Fisherman’s Park in Squamish. The complainant was concerned someone had fallen into the river and subsequently Squamish RCMP and Squamish Search and Rescue attended to conduct a search of the area.

Through the investigation several witnesses were located who saw the group, including a wedding party, who took a video of three individuals, two males and a female, riding in three separate rafts. All three were wearing helmets, wet suits, and lifejackets but it was obvious to onlookers that the group was in trouble with the raging waters.

An extensive search of the area was conducted with negative results but a report was received from a SAR tech that three people were seen safely exiting the Cheekye River. The description of the three riders were a match to the video taken and the group was seen to have loaded one raft into the back of a black pickup with a canopy.

“The Squamish RCMP and Squamish SAR have yet to locate the group and are looking for them or anyone who may know them to call the RCMP. The police need to assess their wellbeing and find out what happened during the incident,” said Cpl. Sascha Banks.

Squamish Emergency Services are also concerned with the week of hot weather adding to the water flow combined with the upcoming May long weekend will draw large crowds to the Squamish area, including the Squamish River system. Locals and visitors to the area are to use extreme caution when around the rivers and report any incidents immediately.

Anyone with any information regarding the above files are asked to contact the Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100 or contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, text 274637, or go to www.solvecrime.ca