VANCOUVER — The search for a second man swept into the surging waters of Gold Creek was called off Sunday because of treacherous conditions.
Dangerous currents and high water levels, caused by rapid snow melt triggered by the recent hot weather, made it impossible for crews to search the base of the falls for the 19-year-old, who fell into the water Friday afternoon.
“There’s an incredible amount of water coming down,” search manager Rick Laing said Sunday. “It’s too dangerous to put anybody at the base of the falls. That’s where we think he probably is.”
About a dozen members of Ridge Meadows and Coquitlam Search and Rescue, as well as family, friends and RCMP resources, were out Saturday scouring the water and shoreline.
Laing said crews will have to wait until water levels become safe.
The body of the first victim, also 19, was found Friday.
The teens, from Surrey and Delta, were swept away while visiting with friends in the lower falls area of Gold Creek, a popular swimming hole in Golden Ears Provincial Park.