Calgary police, firefighters check Bow River for remains in annual search
Police officers and firefighters are joining together on Thursday to scour the Bow River and its banks as part of an annual search for missing persons.
Nearly 6,000 people were reported missing in Calgary last year, according to the Calgary Police Service (CPS).
"Most are safely located, however, it is a tragic reality that a small number of those individuals enter our waterways – either voluntarily or involuntarily – and have not yet been located," Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta said.
"This annual search brings together skilled searchers from a number of organizations in hopes of providing answers to the families of missing people."
Calgary police and firefighters routinely monitor the rivers throughout the year, but a more thorough search is held in the fall when water levels are at their lowest and clearest.
"We cannot imagine the feelings of loss and helplessness families experience not being able to put their loved one to rest," Calgary Fire Department (CFD) spokesperson Carol Henke said.
This year, the search will focus on a section of the river in south Calgary. It will be executed by members of the CPS, CFD, RCMP, Calgary Search and Rescue Association and Cochrane Fire Services.
While crews search the Bow River from the ground, CPS will use the HAWCS helicopter to conduct an aerial search.
RCMP will use a helicopter to search the river from Calgary's southern city limits east toward the Saskatchewan border.
If any remains are located, police will work with medical examiners to determine the identity of the deceased and if their death was criminal in nature.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.