Crews combing Bow River in search for missing people

Agencies from Calgary and beyond descended on the Bow River on Thursday in search of missing people who may have ended up in the banks of the rushing river.

Members of the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, RCMP and the Calgary Search and Rescue Association were involved in water and ground searches, while the police service HAWCS helicopter conducted an aerial search.

Now in its fourth year, officials say the search is being conducted now as the water is clear and at its lowest level.

“This search is part of our ongoing efforts to provide answers to the families of missing persons," said Insp. Monty Sparrow with the Calgary police major crimes section.

The search started at the Bearspaw Dam in the northwest and moved south to the city limits. Crews also, for the first time, conducted similar searches in Elbow River Park and the Glenmore Reservoir.

Calgary police say that of the 3,500 missing persons reported annually, a small number voluntarily, or involuntarily, enter waterways and are unable to get out.

Fire Department Assistant Deputy Chief Peter Steenaerts said the department has specialized equipment, boats and divers that are used during searches.

Starting at the south end of the city, the Alberta RCMP will deploy a helicopter along the Bow River, east towards the Saskatchewan border.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Jason Zazulak of the missing persons and unidentified remains unit said the annual search can help solve cold cases.

“The partnership we have developed with the CPS through this, and other joint initiatives, helps us achieve our goal of solving these missing person investigations, and providing families and loved ones of missing people some of the answers they seek,” he said.

Should any bodies be recovered, police will work alongside the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the identity of the individual and ensure no criminal offences have been committed.