Emergency crews donned rescue suits and braved the elements on Friday in response to a report of a vehicle driven into the North Saskatchewan River on Friday night.
The call came in around 6:35 p.m. Oct. 29. According to North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services, a four-by-four truck was off-roading on river banks east of the Battlefords Bridge and became stuck in the river.
NBFES and the RCMP launched their rescue boat, with three firefighters and an RCMP officer on aboard, and made their way down to where the vehicle was located. Two firefighters donned ice rescue suits and waded to the vehicle through icy water and sand bars.
Once they got to the vehicle, it was confirmed to be empty and there was no sign of occupants in the area. After consultations with the RCMP it was determined the occupants had fled the scene and had made their way home.
In total, NBFES reports there were three apparatus used and eight of their personnel on the scene for a total of just over three hours. WPD Ambulance was also on the scene. The RCMP is continuing its investigation.
Fire Chief Pat MacIsaac cautioned the public that at this time of year the temperature of the water could cause potentially fatal hypothermia within minutes.
