Two kayakers are safe after being rescued by Kitimat Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) following an ordeal 130 km southeast of Kitimat. The kayakers, who are not from the area, set out from Cold Lake on July 25, aiming to reach the Pacific Ocean within three days. But their journey quickly ended when high water levels and significant debris made the river impassable, forcing the pair to paddle ashore. 

Stranded on the Gamsby River and unable to continue by kayak or on foot, they used a Garmin Inreach device to send an SOS signal. This device allows users to send and receive text messages, share basic GPS location data and trigger an interactive SOS message to the company鈥檚 emergency response centre.

Although unfamiliar with the area, the kayakers confirmed they were well-prepared with shelter and food, which enabled them to spend the night safely along the riverbank.

A rescue mission was launched after the Kitimat RCMP tasked GSAR with locating the kayakers. At 4:30 a.m. on July 28, the GSAR team assembled at the Emergency Operations Centre in Kitimat, equipped with the latest mapping data and search coordination tools. At first light, a helicopter transported the team to the kayakers' last known location. The steep, mountainous terrain posed significant challenges, but by 8:30 a.m. the rescuers had made contact. The kayakers were found in good condition and transported to Kitimat.

Kelly Marsh, a Kitimat GSAR manager said the successful rescue highlights the importance of being well-prepared and equipped with reliable communication devices when exploring remote and challenging environments.

鈥淚 think they did a lot of things, right,鈥� Marsh said. 鈥淭hey did their homework before they went, but when you鈥檙e going into the unknown you can't predict conditions everywhere on the river.鈥�