First responders are preparing a coordinated recovery effort in the Coquihalla River following the apparent drowning of a 19-year-old man near the Othello Tunnels on Saturday evening.Hope RCMP said they received a call at 6:17 p.m., reporting that the man had fallen into the river in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park. Multiple agencies responded, including the RCMP Integrated Police Dog Services, Search and Rescue (SAR), the District of Hope Fire Department, and Emergency Health Services.SAR deployed a raft and successfully rescued a bystander who had become stranded while attempting to find the missing man..Despite a search that included the use of a remotely piloted aircraft system, crews were unable to locate the man. Police believe he is likely trapped underwater due to the river’s strong current.The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team attended the scene on Sunday to assess conditions in daylight. Due to the steep terrain and fast-moving water, responders are now planning a coordinated recovery operation.As a precaution, BC Parks has closed the Othello Tunnels to the public until further notice.
