KELOWNA — They were cold and wet, but otherwise unharmed after being lost for hours in the wilderness. A couple in their 20’s and their small dog went out for a hike in the Angel Springs Trail area of southeast Kelowna Tuesday afternoon, but got lost making their way back home.
The pair called 911 at around 5 p.m. and RCMP called on the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR).
“COSAR dispatched two search teams and a support team, including an RCMP dog handler into the area to locate the couple,” said search manager David Crawford. “We had a general idea of where they were as they were able to call for help before their cell battery died, which included a GPS location.”
While Crawford said the couple did the right thing by calling 911 and staying put in one spot, they weren’t properly prepared to be out in the wilderness.
“COSAR would like to remind people to be prepared with maps, food, water, and proper clothing before going into the backcountry,” said Crawford.
Because the couple wasn’t properly equipped with the right shoes, it took rescue crews a bit longer to find a suitable path to safety. When all was said and done, the man woman and dog were brought to safety by 10 p.m.