Police in New Westminster say an improvised rope and a commandeered ferry helped rescue a girl from the Fraser River on Wednesday.
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Police in New Westminster, B.C., say the rescue of a girl spotted struggling to stay afloat in the Fraser River involved both an improvised rope and the commandeering of a local ferry.
Police said the incident unfolded Wednesday after witnesses reported seeing the youth in distress in the water.
Officers said a bystander created a makeshift rope using straps used to stake trees, attaching a life ring and tossing it out for the girl to hold onto.
Police then commandeered a ferry connecting the waterfront in downtown New Westminster with the Queensborough neighbourhood, working with the vessel’s crew to reach the girl and pull her to safety.
Police said the girl was unhurt, though she was taken to hospital for assessment.
The circumstances that led to the girl being in the river are under investigation, and police said they do not believe criminality was involved.
In a statement issued Friday, Sgt. Andrew Leaver said, “This rescue is an excellent example of community members and first responders working together under challenging circumstances.” He added that “the quick-thinking bystander who improvised a rescue line and life ring,” the ferry crew, and responding officers “all played a critical role in bringing this youth to safety.”
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