Mission Search and Rescue (MSAR) has issued a warning to all local fisherman to be careful fishing from sandbars in local rivers and estuaries.
There have already been two calls to rescue stranded fishermen, on Oct. 14 and Oct. 21, due to rising waters.
On Oct. 14, MSAR was called to the Stave River to rescue a fisherman who had waded downstream to a sandbar.
Friday’s heavy rain and wind caused the waters to rise rapidly and when the fisherman attempted to return to shore, he was unable to.
Fortunately, he called 911 and the Mission RCMP dispatched MSAR to perform the rescue.
On Oct. 21, MSAR was called out to the Norrish Creek estuary to rescue a fisherman and his two children who had crossed to a sandbar earlier in the day not realizing the waters could rise.
Again, Mission RCMP deployed MSAR to perform a rescue. Everyone in the incident was unhurt, just a little cold.
MSAR representatives suggest before you go fishing, check if there is a high stream advisory. Ensure you are properly equipped and someone knows where you are. And don’t hesitate to call 911.