A couple of snowmobilers who went missing on February 17 were discovered nearly a week later frozen under lake ice in the Interior region of British Columbia, located between Williams Lake and Bella Coola.
The individuals, a 65-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman from 100 Mile House, were not detected initially because the lake had frozen over, hiding the cracks in the ice where they had fallen through. They were reported missing on February 20 after being out of sight for three days.
The pair was found at Charlotte Lake, approximately 220 kilometers west of Williams Lake, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). While the police were alerted to the situation, it was neighbors who had launched their own search that ultimately located the couple beneath the ice. The RCMP dive team recovered their bodies on February 22.
“Fluctuating temperatures significantly heighten the dangers of any activities on frozen lakes or rivers, so we advise everyone to be extremely cautious,” stated Sgt. Scott Clay, the commander of the Anahim Lake RCMP detachment. “Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this challenging period.”
AdventureSmart, a program for outdoor education, suggests checking the thickness of ice before engaging in any activities, with a minimum of 12 centimeters recommended for snowmobiling. The B.C. Coroners Service is conducting an investigation into the deaths, with authorities indicating that criminality is not suspected.
An image from AdventureSmart displaying recommended ice thickness for various activities emphasizes the importance of safety precautions in winter outdoor pursuits.