Search for missing swimmer suspended due to conditions: Squamish RCMP

A search for a missing woman in the Mamquam River has been suspended 24 hours after it began.

The call was made due to heavy currents and difficult terrain, the Squamish RCMP says.

Squamish Search and Rescue says it was called Sunday around 4:15 p.m. after a woman entered into the Mamquam River, near the Powerhouse Bridge.

“Moments later, her friends heard a yell for help, and saw the female getting swept down the river,” RCMP said in a statement.

Multiple search agencies conducted extensive searches, including ground, marine, kayaks, helicopters and drones.

The lower 10 kilometre portion of the river was also closed Monday afternoon to help crews focus on the area.

Search crews say the female in her thirties was last seen in an area surrounded by deep ravines and canyons.

“Squamish SAR was able to search until 11 p.m. last night with support from North Shore Rescue and Marine SAR. The search began again at first light this morning with air, ground and water resources being deployed,” said Squamish SAR Manager Cindy Welsh.

The RCMP says the woman’s family has requested privacy at this time.

“We ask if anyone, who is in the area who sees anything in the river or along the riverbanks, or has any additional information to contact the RCMP immediately” said Sgt. Dallas Langley with the Squamish RCMP.

The Mamquam River is a tributary of the Squamish River.

With files from Robyn Crawford