A pair of Merritt RCMP officers, are being commended for their quick thinking and selfless actions that resulted in the safe rescue of a Merritt couple.
On May 17 at 10:29 AM, Merritt RCMP members responded to a complaint from the boyfriend of a suicidal woman who reported that the woman was in distress and had threatened to jump into the Nicola river. Merritt Officers immediately arrived at a location on the Nicola River to find that a 47 year old woman had jumped into the swollen river and her 49 year old boyfriend had was also in the river attempting to save her. The man was having difficulties in rescuing the uncooperative woman and had placed himself at risk with his attempts. The RCMP officers had donned their life jackets with one officer jumping in the river while the other officer utilized the ‘throw rope’ to throw to the three people in the river. Each person was rescued from the river without injury. The couple and the police officer were wet and cold but did not suffer any physical injuries. The woman was brought to the Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt to be accessed for any medical treatment needs.
“The Merritt RCMP would like to acknowledge the call for help placed by the woman’s concerned boyfriend and for his efforts in trying to rescue her from the river. Without this initial call for assistance and the quick action by our officers, this could have had a tragic ending,” said Staff Sergeant Sheila White NCO i/c Merritt Detachment.
“I am also very proud of my officers who risked their lives to help these people in serious distress.” Added Staff Sgt White.
