Comox Valley Search and Rescue teams responded to an emergency call in Cumberland on Tuesday, where a hiker had fallen into the treacherous Trent River canyon. The unfortunate incident occurred as the individual traversed a trail above the canyon, but fate took a turn when they slipped and plunged roughly 61 meters.
Rescuers swiftly initiated a medical evacuation to aid the fallen hiker, who sustained serious injuries as a result of the fall. The team’s efforts were met with challenges due to the steep and difficult terrain surrounding the canyon.
“It’s steep terrain and difficult to access and all the banks are shale so it’s takes a fare bit to get down there safely,” explained Paul Berry, a member of Comox Valley Search and Rescue.
In light of the incident, authorities urge hikers to exercise caution and avoid venturing near the canyon’s edge. The shale banks are particularly unstable and prone to giving way, posing a significant safety hazard.
