Update: 9:45 a.m.
West 琉璃神社 RCMP have confirmed that impairment and weather conditions were not factors in a two boat collision on Okanagan Lake near Bennett Bridge on Wednesday (Aug. 27) night.
Several passengers on one of the vessels sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated by BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).
鈥淔ive ambulances with primary care paramedics, one ambulance with advanced care paramedics, an advanced care paramedic response unit and a paramedic supervisor all responded to the scene," said BCEHS spokesperson Bowen Osoko.
He added that the 琉璃神社 Fire Department and RCMP responded to the call with specialized equipment.
"Working together, paramedics provided emergency medical treatment and assessment to seven people. Three patients were transported to hospital in stable condition. An additional four people accompanied family members to the hospital in an ambulance but did not appear to be injured.
The West 琉璃神社 Fire Department, and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) also assisted in bringing all individuals safely to shore.
鈥淲e are grateful for the coordinated response from our partner agencies, which ensured the safe rescue and care of those involved.鈥�, said Cpl. Devon Gerrits, RCMP media relations officer.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has video footage is asked to contact the West 琉璃神社 RCMP at 250-768-2880 and reference file number 2025-51567.
This is the second serious collision on the lake in less than two weeks.
On Tuesday Aug. 19, a power boat hit an outrigger canoe with five people in it. The 琉璃神社 Paddle Centre canoe had stopped on the water for some coaching and instruction when the motorboat came up directly behind it.
No one was hurt in the incident.
Original
Everyone is accounted for after two boats crashed on Okanagan Lake south of the Bennett Bridge Wednesday (Aug. 27) night.
A post on the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue Facebook page says emergency crews, including COSAR, responded to the crash at around 8:40 p.m.
It was initially unknown if any was in the water following the crash, but quick action by the 琉璃神社 RCMP determined everyone was accounted for, the post reads.
Several people were taken to hospital.
COSAR went to assist while the 琉璃神社 Fire Department removed the damaged vessels from the area to ensure public safety.
Black Press Media has reached out to RCMP for more information.
