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If the crime you are reporting is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If the crime you are reporting is not an emergency, you can call the non-emergency line at 604-525-5411 or attend our Front Counter at 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC.
New Westminster – On July 14th 2022, the New Westminster Police Department received a 9-1-1 call from a resident at the edge of the Fraser River saying they could hear people yelling for help and they were unsure if people had been thrown from a boat.
New Westminster Police Department officers boarded the NWPD police boat Shaw-1 and requested assistance from the Coast Guard and the Air One helicopter. They soon located a boat which had sustained significant damage. Officer saw two people aboard the boat that were in need of medical care. It was at that time officers coordinated with BC Ambulance to be waiting at a nearby dock. Officers were able to guide the sinking vessel to the dock were the two people on board disembarked and were assessed by paramedics. One person was transported to local hospital.
“The NWPD Marine Unit allows us to continue our high level of service delivery to those who utilize the waterways bordering New Westminster,” stated Sergeant Justine Thom. “Considering the boat was slowly sinking, we’re thankful that Shaw-1 was deployed in this rescue. A special thanks to the person who heard the calls for help and dialed 9-1-1. Thanks to their quick thinking and the work of patrol officers, these people are now recovering in the care of family.”
Officers were unable to determine exactly the cause of the damage sustained by the boat, and it is believed at this time that impaired boating was not a factor.
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CONTACT PERSON: Sergeant Justine Thom
PHONE: 604-529-2537
FILE: 22-10506
