Multiple first responder agencies arrived at the Richmond-New Westminster border on Monday evening to rescue a woman in the Fraser River.
Richmond RCMP, Richmond Fire-Rescue, New West Police Department Marine Unit and BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded to a call at the 4000 block of Boundary Road, near the Hamilton Transit Centre, between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. on Oct. 28.
Emergency responders found a woman on a small boat anchored in the water and was safely brought to shore, according to Cpl. Adriana O'Malley, media relations officer of Richmond RCMP.
The woman, O'Malley added, had been kayaking in the river when she was knocked over by the wake of a passing boat, but was able to climb onto another boat.
"Small pleasure craft operators in the North Arm of the Fraser River can face significant risks," said O'Malley.
"In addition to the commercial vessel traffic, the water is extremely cold. Small pleasure craft operators are reminded to operate as close to the shoreline as possible and ensure you utilize all safety devices, including personal flotation devices with a whistle.”
Grant Wyenberg, assistant deputy chief at Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR), told the Richmond News early Tuesday morning the incident happened on the east Richmond side of the border.
"This became a multi-jurisdictional response given the reported versus actual location in east Richmond," said Wyenberg.
"The lone patient was located in the water and rescued following an effort by both RCMP and RFR."
He added that "minor slip-and-fall injuries" were reported by responding staff at the scene.
An ambulance with primary care paramedics, an ambulance with advanced care paramedics and a paramedic supervisor also attended the call.
Paramedics provided emergency medical treatment to the woman who was then transported to a hospital in stable condition, according to a BCEHS spokesperson.
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