9 days, 10 rescues: Arrowsmith Search and Rescue tackle one of their busiest weeks

A complex overnight hoist rescue at Horne Lake capped off one of the busiest stretches of the year for Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, with volunteers responding to emergencies almost every day during early July.

A complex overnight hoist rescue at Horne Lake capped off one of the busiest stretches of the year for Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, with volunteers responding to emergencies almost every day during early July. The July 10 rescue at the Horne Lake Amphitheatre required a highly technical response involving ground search teams, rope rescue specialists and Arrowsmith’s Class ‘D’ Fixed Line (CDFL) hoist team. With assistance from Comox Valley Search & Rescue, the injured climber was safely airlifted out in what became Arrowsmith Search and Rescue’s first nighttime hoist rescue.

The operation was the final call in a demanding stretch that saw volunteers respond to incidents almost every day between July 3 and July 10, including multiple days with more than one call. The busy period began July 3, when crews responded to an injured hiker at Nile Creek and carried out a hoist rescue with support from ground search and rescue teams. On July 5, volunteers were called to two separate incidents, a response at Stamp Falls and a stranded climber rescue at Bonnell Falls.

Nanaimo Search and Rescue and Lions Bay Search and Rescue provided assistance during those operations. The team returned to Stamp Falls on July 6 for another search and rescue response. On July 7, Arrowsmith crews handled two calls: an overdue hiker search on Mount Arrowsmith and another incident at Stamp Falls.

The following day, volunteers assisted Coombs-Hilliers Volunteer Fire Department with a dog rescue. On July 9, the team responded again to Stamp Falls before heading into the final day of the busy stretch. On July 10, crews were first dispatched to Horne Lake after receiving a report of a person in the water.

Shortly afterward, they were called to the nearby amphitheatre for the injured climber rescue, which continued into the night. Arrowsmith Search and Rescue said the demanding week highlighted the dedication of its volunteers and the support of the families who stand behind them. “Most importantly, we want to extend our sincere thanks to our volunteers, their families, and the communities we serve,” the organization said in a social media post.

The group said the equipment, training and resources needed for these rescues are possible because of support from local residents, businesses, donors and community partners. Arrowsmith Search and Rescue rely on trained volunteers who respond to emergencies across the region, often balancing rescue calls with their personal and family commitments. For the team, every mission comes down to the same goal: reaching people when they need help and helping bring them home safely.