Screenshot from RCMP video showing the rescue of four hikers from Rice River Canyon. (Facebook/Sask RCMP)

By Cam Lee

Hikers rescued

RCMP officers, a drone, and an iPhone all help rescue stranded hikers east of Carrot River

Jun 21, 2024 | 11:35 AM

A harrowing ordeal for a group of experienced hikers in northeast Saskatchewan.

The incident happened June 16 near Rice River Canyon, about 95 kilometres east of Carrot River.

Carrot River RCMP Staff Sgt. Richard Tonge told northeastNOW the detachment received a call from the iPhone Satellite Communications Centre about four stranded hikers. He said the feature is a part of newer iPhones, which allows owners to have emergency communications should they not be in an area with cellular or Wi-Fi service.

Tonge said a constable went into the canyon on foot but couldn’t go any further due to the rising water of the river. The constable called for backup and the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), or drone, was used. Despite the drone’s flight being hampered by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and 90 kilometre per hour winds, the hikers were located.

“We didn’t think we’d be able to get a helicopter out in those conditions,” said Tonge.

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Fortunately, an experienced search-and-rescue member was posted at the detachment. Tonge said all options were discussed and the search-and-rescue member was confident he could rescue the hikers before nightfall.

“My biggest concern was having people try and walk through that difficult terrain in the dark, I didn’t think that would be feasible.”

Two members went to the scene on foot, assisted by the drone that led them through the heavily forested areas where they couldn’t follow the riverbank due to the high water levels. Tonge said members were still partially submerged at times due to the high flow rate of the river and the high levels.

Eventually, the RCMP members were able to make contact with the group of hikers. The drone was used to pick “a path of least resistance” through the heavily wooded areas.

“Ultimately they were able to get everyone out prior to nightfall, there were no injuries reported, and everyone’s in good health,” Tonge said.

The incident reveals the danger of fast-moving and high rising water. Tonge said the experienced hikers set up camp in what they thought was a safe spot, but the water rose at least three feet overnight.

“They were trapped. They couldn’t get back along the river and they weren’t prepared to try and go cross-country through the bush,” Tonge explained. “That’s when they sent out their emergency SOS via satellite on the iPhone.”

Tonge said RPAS is an exceptional piece of technology that greatly assisted the officers through the rescue operation.

“However, committed, dedicated officers were still required to go in on foot through difficult terrain and rising water to lead the stranded hikers to safety.”

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK