On April 1, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) was deployed after a massive mudslide on Westside Road sent more than 20,000 tons of debris across the highway and into Okanagan Lake. In a Facebook post COSAR say’s they were initially tasked with searching a previously occupied camp in the area. After a full day of shoreline work, they were stood down.
But a few days later, a person was reported missing—someone who may have been driving that stretch of road during the slide. On April 6, COSAR were back out, and the real search began.
What followed was six long operational periods and nearly 1,000 hours of volunteer time—on land and water. Ground crews. Drones. Boats. K9. Mutual aid from Vernon SAR. Everyone working together to systematically search an enormous and dangerous area.
A huge moment came when K9 Barrett, deployed on COSAR boat Sweatman, gave a strong indication in the water—right where we believed the debris field might be. That narrowed the search significantly.
Despite technical issues with a Remote Operated Vehicle (one of only three in BC), the marine team managed to locate submerged debris consistent with a vehicle. On April 12, the missing vehicle and its driver were found in 155 feet of water. The RCMP underwater recovery team will complete the recovery.
COSAR offered thanks to Vernon Search & Rescue, AIM Road Maintenance, Chute Creek Construction, the Regional District, and the RCMP for their support.
They also said their hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased.
