Baldy Mountain (File photo)
Dale Boyd
Osoyoos Times
Two snowmobilers spent the night on Baldy Mountain before local search and rescue volunteers and RCMP came to the rescue.
Osoyoos RCMP joined Oliver-Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR) to respond to reports two snowmobilers had become stuck on Baldy Mountain and failed to return to their base on April 5.
Around 3 p.m. the two snowmobilers, a 47-year-old man and 39-year-old man, both from Osoyoos, called a friend to advise they were sledding in the Baldy Mountain area when one of their sleds had become stuck.
The two advised their friend they would be hiking approximately one kilometre to their other sled before making their way out.
By 9 p.m. the two had still not returned to their vehicle and further contact with both could not be established, RCMP said.
OOSAR attended, but due to low light and fog were unable to conduct much of a search during the night.
At approximately 9 a.m. April 6, search and rescue crews with the assistance of Eclipse Helicopters from Penticton and a snow avalanche expert from the Ministry of Transportation located both men.
“They were healthy yet a bit cold. The two had lit a fire to keep themselves somewhat warm throughout the night,” said Sgt. Jason Bayda, Commander of the Osoyoos RCMP.
“The Osoyoos RCMP would like to thank all those involved for their great work in this search. Their coordinated efforts made for a quick rescue of these men.”
