No human remains were discovered during a large-scale search operation conducted along the Bow River and its surrounding banks on Saturday. The search involved various local agencies at 9 a.m. from the Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch in Calgary’s southern end. The RCMP and Alberta Forestry and Parks led the search outside Calgary city limits.
Sgt. Amy George of the Calgary Police Service (CPS) Missing Persons Team emphasized the importance of these efforts, revealing that 3,572 people have been reported missing in Calgary so far this year.
While the majority have been safely located, approximately 0.17 per cent remain unaccounted for, with some suspected of entering the city’s waterways. Sgt. George highlighted the CPS’s dedication to providing answers for the families of missing individuals.
Around 75 searchers participated in the operation, including members from CPS, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD), the RCMP, the Calgary Search and Rescue Association (CALSARA), Cochrane Fire Services (CFS), Alberta Forestry and Parks, and Community Safety Peace Officers.
TransAlta supported the search by adjusting the river’s flow rate. The CPS also deployed its HAWCS helicopter and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) for aerial surveillance, while CPS, CFD, CFS, CALSARA, RCMP, and CS conducted ground and water searches.
Acting Staff Sgt. Paul Teworte, CPS's Search Manager, expressed gratitude to the eight partner agencies for their ongoing support, dedication, and resources, which have expanded the scale and effectiveness of the search operations over the years. The teams used current low and clear water conditions to search comprehensively.
Supt. Rick Jané, Acting District Officer for the RCMP Southern Alberta District, praised the partnership’s impact on advancing unsolved missing person investigations.
Despite weather challenges that could have impacted aerial efforts, the ground and water searches continued as planned, covering the Bow River area from Stoney Trail north to Carseland south. If remains had been located, CPS and the RCMP would have worked with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify the individual and investigate potential criminal activity.
Though no remains were found during Saturday’s search, CPS's Missing Persons Team remains committed to their mission. Acting Staff Sgt. Teworte noted that the search provided valuable information that will help refocus ongoing investigations. All missing person cases remain active as investigators continue their efforts to provide answers for families.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM.
DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app.