Bamfield road washout turns fatal

Port Alberni

2024-10-21 09:07 PDT

File # 2024-10611; 2024-10612

Port Alberni RCMP responded to two separate Missing Persons reports that led to the discovery of two vehicles in Sarita River.

On October 19, 2024 at approximately 5:45pm, Port Alberni RCMP received a Missing Persons report of an overdue traveler who was driving from Bamfield, BC to Victoria, BC but had not arrived.

At approximately 6:45pm RCMP received another Missing Persons report of an overdue traveler that was driving to Bamfield, BC from Port Alberni and had not arrived. The individual's dog had been located around 1pm near Sarita River by good Samaritans who contacted family. 

RCMP were able to ping the cell phones belonging to the missing which returned that one of the phones last connected with a cell tower within a 3km radius of the 58km mark on Bamfield Rd. A helicopter was deployed to the area to conduct an aerial search and Alberni Valley Search and Rescue were requested to assist in the search.

Just before 9pm, family of one of the missing notified police that they had located their loved one's truck fully submerged in Sarita River. Due to the fast flowing water and darkness, emergency services were unable to confirm if the vehicle was occupied. The missing driver was later located deceased a short distance away. 

A second vehicle was located in Sarita River. Search and Rescue are monitoring the water today awaiting the opportunity to conduct a swift water recovery of the vehicle which is believed to contain the second missing person.  

RCMP are urging people to stay away from the area of Sarita River as water is flowing fast and this portion of the Bamfield Rd is susceptible to flooding especially around high tides. Also, police want to remind everyone that attempting to cross flooded roadways can be extremely dangerous.

Released by:

Email: elizabeth.oconnor@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Follow Us: