The search for a Surrey man has intensified after his vehicle was discovered partially submerged in the Squamish River, marking a desperate race against time as first responders battle challenging conditions to locate the missing individual.
Police officers and search teams were dispatched Saturday morning following reports of a vehicle that had apparently veered off the Squamish Valley Road and crashed into the fast-moving waters. The incident is believed to have occurred overnight, though the exact timing remains under investigation.
“We received a call from a passing motorist who spotted what appeared to be vehicle debris along the riverbank,” said Constable Sarah Mitchell of the Squamish RCMP. “Upon arrival, our officers located a vehicle partially submerged in the river with evidence suggesting the driver had been unable to exit the vehicle before it entered the water.”
The missing man, whose identity has not been released pending notification of family members, is described as a 37-year-old Surrey resident who was traveling alone at the time of the incident. Personal belongings found at the scene have been connected to the missing individual, according to police sources.
Squamish Search and Rescue teams have deployed specialized water rescue equipment, including underwater cameras and sonar technology. The search operation faces significant challenges due to the river’s strong current, poor visibility beneath the surface, and the rocky terrain surrounding the crash site.
“The Squamish River can be particularly dangerous this time of year with higher water levels and stronger currents from recent rainfall,” explained David Morton, coordinator with Squamish Search and Rescue. “Our teams are working methodically to cover the downstream areas where the individual might have been carried.”
Weather conditions have complicated rescue efforts, with intermittent rain reducing visibility both in and around the water. Helicopters have been brought in to provide aerial support when conditions permit, scanning the riverbanks for any sign of the missing man.
This incident follows several other water-related emergencies in British Columbia this season, raising concerns about road safety near the province’s rivers and waterways. Last month, provincial transportation officials had announced plans to improve guardrails and warning signage along several high-risk routes, including portions of the Squamish Valley Road.
Local residents have expressed their concerns about the particular stretch of road where the accident occurred. “That corner has always been dangerous, especially when it’s dark or wet,” said Jennifer Larson, who lives nearby. “The road curves right alongside the river with minimal barriers in some sections. We’ve been asking for improvements for years.”
The RCMP is urging anyone who may have witnessed the vehicle—described as a dark blue 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck—traveling in the area late Friday night or early Saturday morning to come forward with information.
As the search continues into its second day, authorities are facing the difficult question that haunts every such operation: How long can someone survive in these harsh river conditions, and what more can be done to prevent such tragedies on British Columbia’s scenic but sometimes treacherous roadways?
