Update To Double Fatal Incident On Bamfield Road

Port Alberni RCMP have issued an update to the Bamfield Road washout that turned fatal for two people reported missing over the weekend.

On Saturday, police responded to two reports of missing people who were travelling on Bamfield Road.

The vehicles belonging to both missing persons were later located submerged in Sarita River.

One of the missing was located deceased nearby, the second missing person was presumed to be deceased inside their vehicle.

Due to high water levels and fast-moving currents, emergency services were unable to recover the vehicles or confirm the status of the second missing person.

Police confirmed on Monday that the second missing person was deceased inside their vehicle, but due to the remaining high-water levels and swift water currents, they could not be safely accessed.

RCMP was working with the Alberni Search and Rescue Squad to coordinate recovery of the missing person’s remains and the vehicles from the river, in anticipation of lowered water levels.

On Tuesday, RCMP were liaising with Alberni Search and Rescue Squad to coordinate recovery of the missing person’s remains and the vehicles from Sarita River in anticipation of lowered water levels.

The family of the missing have been notified.

"This was a tragic incident and a great loss to two families; our hearts and thoughts are with the families of the victims.", said Port Alberni RCMP Sgt. Chet Carrol.