Dropped call for help triggers ‘massive’ search for Okanagan snowmobiler

A lack of communication led to a large-scale, multi-hour search for a distressed snowmobiler on Saturday in the South Okanagan who was able to walk out of the area himself.

The search started after a snowmobiler called Apex Mountain Resort to say he needed help but the call dropped, leaving officials with few details about the situation or the rider’s whereabouts.

Penticton and District Search and Rescue (PENSAR) said this call for help was reported to 911 around 4 p.m., and since “early attempts to identify a position of the snowmobiler’s phone call proved to be unsuccessful”, the search and rescue organization was left with a large area to search and limited time before nightfall.

Due to the “diminishing light and a lack of information”, the search manager decided to call in help from other local search and rescue groups, Apex resorts staff and a local snowmobile club.

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