Kitimat Search and Rescue

09/23/2025

Thanks Terrace SAR for all you do. It’s always a pleasure working with each other with training or responding to calls.

09/10/2025

Let's go Kitimat! Kitimat Search and Rescue is hosting the Banff Mountain Film Festival at the Mount Elizabeth Theatre on October 3, 2025 @ 7pm. All seats $20. Tickets are available at All West Glass or by calling Colin @ 250 639-0124

Watch the trailer for this year's show.

The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is coming to a location near you. For dates, locations, and a list of films on tour, go to https://www.ban...

09/08/2025

The BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour is back! October 3, 2025. At Mount Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets $20.00 available at All-West Glass or Text or Call Colin 250-639-0124. Doors open @ 6:30 PM and show starts @ 7:00 PM. Brought to you by Kitimat Search and Rescue.

08/17/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2025

Kitimat Search and Rescue Assists Six Fishermen on the Kemano River

Kitimat, BC – At approximately 3:45pm, August 16, 2025, Kitimat Search and Rescue (KSAR) was tasked by the RCMP to assist six fishermen who became stranded along the Kemano River.
Seven KSAR members responded to the call, working to safely extract the individuals by helicopter and transport them to Kemano. Despite the remote location, the team successfully completed the rescue without further incident. Kitimat Marine Rescue was also dispatched to transport members from Kemano back to Kitimat.

“All six fishermen were brought back safely thanks to the coordinated efforts of our members and the strong support from our partners,” said Kelly Marsh, Search Manager. “Having multiple agencies working together in remote locations always presents communication challenges however we are very happy with the outcome of this task. The Kemano River is beautiful but remote, and rescues in this area highlight the importance of preparation, communication, and safety when venturing into the backcountry.”

The task was considered completed and closed out around midnight.

KSAR worked closely with Rio Tinto’s team in Kemano throughout the task and greatly appreciates their assistance in ensuring a safe and efficient outcome.

KSAR reminds the public that river conditions and access in remote areas can change quickly and become hazardous. Proper planning—including notifying someone of your travel plans, carrying safety equipment, and wearing personal flotation devices—is vital for ensuring safe outdoor adventures.

KSAR would like to thank the RCMP, Rio Tinto, Kitimat Marine Rescue, and all supporting agencies for their cooperation and assistance in this operation.

Rio Tinto BC Works
Kitimat Marine Rescue Society

08/10/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2025
Kitimat Search and Rescue Responds to Overturned Boats on the Kitimat River

Kitimat, BC – At approximately 1:07 p.m. August 9, 2025, Kitimat Search and Rescue (KSAR) was tasked by the RCMP after reports of two drift boats capsizing the Kitimat River after hitting a sweeper. Nine individuals ended up in the water and were stranded and separated into two groups, raising immediate concerns for hypothermia. The location of this incident isn’t far past the Cablecar boat launch channel outlet.

KSAR deployed seven members to the scene, including our specialized Swift Water Rescue Team. A secondary support team was dispatched by helicopter to assist with the extraction. All nine individuals were successfully rescued and transported to the Kitimat Airpark. One person required further care and was transferred by BC Ambulance Service to medical support. The two boats remain in the river, with one sticking out of the water. The public is asked to not go near the boats!

“Thanks to the quick teamwork of our members and partner agencies, everyone made it out safely,” said Kelly Marsh, Search Manager, “Incidents like this are a reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety when recreating on the water. Today everyone rescued was wearing a personal flotation device. This preventative measure was key to a successful outcome of this incident.”

KSAR reminds everyone that river conditions can change dramatically overnight due to rainfall or shifting channels. Even familiar sections of the river can become hazardous without warning. Wearing a properly fitted lifejacket at all times, regardless of skill level or experience, is essential for safety on the water.

KSAR would like to thank Kitimat RCMP, Kitimat Fire Department Paramedics and all involved responders for their assistance.

07/04/2025

KSAR will be sporting new signage for this fall’s Banff Mountain Film Fesival here in Kitimat
A big thank you to Kathy Bell, Alicyn Folkul, Levi Francis and Pascalebear Pagau for making the new signs for us!

04/29/2025

Kitimat SAR was able to fill a few last minute spots for some Class D training and three of our members successfully completed the training at the airport last weekend.
These are the first KSAR members to receive this training and we are planning on putting more of our members through similar training.

03/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15koE1tGpY/

03/04/2025

Congratulations, Duncan Peacock from your friends at Kitimat Ground SAR!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1XmoipCSk1/

02/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B42jUSb1K/

02/20/2025

Kitimat Search and Rescue Successfully Rescues Injured Hikers in Robinson Lake Recreational Area

Kitimat, BC – On Wednesday, February 19th, Kitimat Search and Rescue (KSAR) was called into action by the British Columbia Ambulance Service to assist two injured hikers in the Robinson Lake Recreational Area.

Eight dedicated KSAR members quickly responded and utilized their side-by-side vehicle equipped with tracks to reach the injured hikers efficiently. The two individuals were promptly packaged and transported to waiting ambulances, which then took them to Kitimat General Hospital. Fortunately, their injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.

KSAR extends its heartfelt thanks to the Kitimat Fire Department for their invaluable assistance during this operation.

01/13/2025

https://www.northernsentinel.com/local-news/kitimat-search-and-rescue-reflects-on-2024-7743796

Kitimat Search and Rescue (KSAR) presented its 2024 year-end report at the Jan. 7 council meeting, showcasing a robust organization with growing capacity and community impact.