The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Victoria says the search for two kayakers reported missing Monday night in the area of Lasqueti Island ended late Tuesday morning after the pair was found safe in Welcome Passage.
The call about the kayakers came in around 10 p.m. Monday night and a helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft out of CFB Comox, as well as three Coast Guard ships and RCM-SAR Station 12 out of Halfmoon Bay and RCM-SAR Station 59 from Deep Bay were assigned to the search.
“The weather overnight hampered search efforts in the 288 square kilometre search area with low visibility, high wind and waves,” the JRCC update said.
The search area covered Malaspina Strait and the Sabine Channel off Lasqueti and Texada Islands.
A helicopter crew and the crew of CCG Cape Cockburn confirmed around 10:05 a.m. April 23 that the kayakers were safe and the search was called off.
Mark Wenn with RCM SAR 12 said seven of their local volunteers were involved in the search.
