Close call for Bog biker
By Jennifer Lang
Black Press
Oct 15 2006
A man was rescued from Burns Bog Tuesday night, thanks to his cell
phone and a flashlight.
Police say the 35-year-old Delta resident, clad in only a T-shirt and
shorts, had been biking through the trails when he got lost. He was
cold, wet and muddy by the time he called police on his cellphone just
before 8 p.m.-he'd taken a tumble into waist-deep water.
Then his cell phone cut out.
Fearing for his safety, police launched a ground and air search,
assisted by Delta firefighters, Surrey Search and Rescue, Air 1, the
RCMP's helicopter, and ambulance crews.
"If he'd developed hypothermia, his chances of survival would have
been reduced dramatically," Delta Police Const. Rick Peeler said.
Fortunately, the man was able to signal the helicopter with his
flashlight. Air 1 found him in just nine minutes. The RCMP helicopter
was also able to light the way for ground searchers who retrieved the
man using an all-terrain four-wheel drive.
He was cold and wet when he was rescued just before 10 p.m., and was
taken to Delta Hospital for observation.
"The bog is within the community of Delta but it is like a wilderness
area," Peeler said.
It appears the man ended up in an area of the bog that was scorched in
last year's fire and is off-limits to the public.
Without the cell phone, "nobody would have known he was out there,"
he said.
Incidents like this one are rare, but demonstrate just how easy it is
to lose your way in Burns Bog.
Delta Police advise anyone riding or biking in the bog should tell
someone where they are going, wear appropriate clothing and to bring a
cell phone.