Firefighters conduct dramatic high rope rescue over Capilano River

Crews were called to a bridge high above the Capilano River Thursday evening to conduct a dramatic rescue effort.

Assistant Chief Brian Hutchinson with the District of North Vancouver Fire Rescue Services said crews were called to the scene just after 8:30 p.m.

Hutchinson said the man had been fishing in the river but became trapped when the water levels rose.

North Vancouver resident Victor Quintana said he was walking nearby with his mother when he realized the man below was in trouble.

“We were happy to save a life because he was isolated down there,” his mother Maria added. “It’s pretty rough, very strong. The flow is very strong so it’s very dangerous to be in the middle of the river there.”

Firefighters lowered a member to the river below, before harnessing the fisherman and lifting him up by a high angle rescue rope.

Hutchinson says the patient is “in good condition” after being medically assessed, and while he was transferred to BC Ambulance as a precaution, he’s expected to be sent home this evening.