Search and Rescue Swift Water Specialists back at the Goat River submerged vehicle site, early Thursday, were able to safely complete the grim recovery of their drowned SAR teammate by mid day around noon.
The drowned SAR team member has been identified as 29 yr old Sheilah Sweatman of Ymir, a small community near Nelson BC. Sheilah Sweatman who was originally from Manitoba, had approximately two years service with SAR and was assigned to the Kootenay Swift Water Specialists Team at the time of her death.
“It is a tragic day for BC Volunteer Search and Rescue Team members from across BC, who saw the loss of a teammate yesterday. The death of Sheilah Sweatman marks the first time in BC SAR history that one of the province’s SAR volunteers was killed while in service. The RCMP and communities across BC offer their sincerest condolences to her family and coworkers.” stated Cpl Dan Moskaluk
The SAR teams then continued on with the task of confirming whether there were any occupants in the submerged vehicle. Two local tow trucks attended to assist in pulling the vehicle out of the river after SAR technicians worked at securing the vehicle.
The BC Coroners Services and WorkSafe BC assisted by the Creston RCMP are investigating the death of Sheilah Sweatman.
Further updates on the status of the submerged vehicle will follow.
Cpl Dan Moskaluk
“E” Division Communications Services
Senior Media Relations Officer
Southeast/North Districts
c:250-863-7433