North Vancouver RCMP have recovered the body of a kayaker who fell into the Capilano River yesterday.
Cpl. Richard De Jong says the man’s body was found near the Capilano rugby club clubhouse, a “far ways” from where he had fallen into the fast-moving water.
Fire and rescue crews in both North Vancouver and West Vancouver were called out at around 3:30 p.m. yesterday to a report of a kayaker swimming beside a kayak in the river near the Capilano Suspension Bridge, said Assistant Fire Chief Chad Laforete of District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue.
The North Vancouver RCMP and Coast Guard were also called out, with the Coast Guard’s hovercraft sent to the mouth of the Capilano River.
The kayak was taken out of the water in the Ambleside area that day.
Shortly before 6 pm., the North Vancouver RCMP said that the rescue had turned into a recovery operation. An hour later, the search was suspended for the evening.
Cpl. De Jong said that the body was recovered at 7:30 a.m. today.
North Shore Rescue had issued a warning a few days ago of the dangers of the river’s high waters. “Keep dogs on leash and avoid rivers/streams if you go hiking. Be aware that river levels can fluctuate unexpectedly leaving unwary hikers/runners stranded.”
The river level has dropped 70 per cent overnight but Cpl. De Jong is still urging caution.
When you are near the river in these conditions, there are hazards you might not otherwise experience, he says.
The police have yet to identify the kayaker.
With files from Jane Seyd of the North Shore News.
