(UPDATE: Aug. 28 @ 12:57 pm) - Three people were taken to the hospital in stable condition after last night’s boat collision on Okanagan Lake, according to the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS).
“Working together, paramedics provided emergency medical treatment and assessment to seven people. Three patients were transported to hospital in stable condition,” said BCEHS spokesperson Bowen Osoko in a statement.
“An additional four people accompanied family members to the hospital in an ambulance but did not appear to be injured.”
The ambulance service explained that it responded to the incident with “five ambulances with primary care paramedics, one ambulance with advanced care paramedics, an advanced care paramedic response unit and a paramedic supervisor.”
Alongside the BCEHS, the Kelowna Fire Department and the Kelowna RCMP responded to the “dynamic call” with specialized equipment and expertise.
The West Kelowna RCMP is investigating the incident.
(UPDATE: Aug. 28 @ 10:10 am) - Police have confirmed that impairment and weather conditions were not factors in last night’s boat collision south of the WR Bennett Bridge.
The incident resulted in one boat being lodged on top of another vessel, 500 metres south of the bridge. According to the West Kelowna RCMP, it involved a total of 12 passengers, with five on one vessel and seven on the other.
“Several passengers on one of the vessels sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated by BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS),” stated an RCMP press release.
Police added that BCEHS, the West Kelowna Fire Department, Kelowna RCMP and COSAR all responded to the incident, helping bring the affected individuals safely to shore.
“We are grateful for the coordinated response from our partner agencies, which ensured the safe rescue and care of those involved,” said Cpl. Devon Gerrits.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has footage of the incident is asked to contact the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880 and reference file number 2025-51567.
(Original story: Aug. 28 at 8:34 am): A scary incident unfolded just off the shores of Kelowna Wednesday night as two boats collided on Okanagan Lake.
In a social media post from Central Okanagan Search & Rescue (COSAR), the organization stated that authorities were alerted to the collision around 8:40 pm.
“It was initially unknown if any subjects were in the water, but quick action by the Kelowna RCMP determined everyone was accounted for,” added the post.
The collision occurred south of the WR Bennett Bridge, according to COSAR, and the organization helped the Kelowna Fire Department remove the damaged vessels from the area.
COSAR did not share any details about the status of the individuals involved in the collision.
NowMedia has reached out to the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) for more information.
