Kamloops first responders search for person in Thompson River

Kamloops Fire Rescue is searching the Thompson River for one of two people reported to have gone into the water early Tuesday morning.

Fire officials say they received a report of two people in the river at about 6:45 a.m. PT on Tuesday. 

Capt. Erin Holloway said her teams responded and took the fire rescue boat out, and discovered one man in the water about 200 metres west of the Overlanders Bridge, just west of the city's downtown. 

"He was extremely exhausted, cold," Holloway told CBC on Tuesday morning. "He was floating on his back for quite a while, it sounds like."

Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Crystal Evelyn says crews are still searching for the second person, adding that "air services" should be on scene shortly to aid in the search. 

Holloway said the pair had been trying to cross the river near the bridge on a small kayak meant for one person. 

"The water is cold and I think it takes people by surprise how cold it is. It makes it really difficult to swim and and stay calm in those kinds of conditions."

Holloway said there have been "several incidents" this year in the Thompson River. 

Holloway is reminding people who use the river to wear a life-jacket and be aware of strong currents. 

"This river is notorious for heavy, fast currents under the surface," she said.

"The river is cold. It's going to take your breath away if you fall in and you're not prepared for it."

WATCH | First responders search for man in Thompson River: 

Kamloops, B.C., first responders search for person in Thompson River

3 months ago

Duration 2:08

Kamloops Fire Rescue is searching the Thompson River for one of two people reported to have gone into the water early Tuesday morning. As Jenifer Norwell reports, crews scrambled to get to the scene. They warn that the calm waters can be very deceiving.