Central Okanagan Search and Rescue was called out last evening to search for two lost snowmobilers.
But, by the time COSAR arrived at the Myra Canyon trailhead, the search had turned in to a rescue.
Family members had reported the two snowmobilers overdue at 7pm but, as the search was initiated, they managed to get a cell signal from the tower on Little White and were able to relay their exact GPS coordinates to authorities.
The heavy fog and variable snow conditions made travel treacherous, so the two then decided to stay put.
With the help of two expert snowmobilers from the Kelowna Snowmobile Club, COSAR sent in two teams to locate the sleders and lead them back to safety.
Contact was made around 11pm and by 12:30am everyone was back safety at the Myra parking lot after a short detour to the Doghouse cabin to warm up.
"It was a textbook operation," said COSAR search manager Kevin Birnie.
"The snowmobilers had filed a trip plan and police were notified as soon as they were overdue. When they relayed their GPS coordinates to us, they didn’t move from their location. And they had enough food, water and warm clothing to make the wait comfortable."
Brine also thanks the members of the Kelowna Snowmobile Club for their assistance. #bcsar #kelowna
