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Rocky crews rescue man and dog on Pinto Lake

Mar 19, 2019 | 11:19 AM

Rocky Mountain House RCMP are reminding back country enthusiasts to be adequately prepared for their excursions and to preferably have a locating device in the event a rescue is required.

On Mar. 13, Mounties say an Edmonton man hiked in from Highway 11 near the Cline River to Pinto Lake on a camping trip. 

However, a remote forestry camera captured an “SOS” signature in the snow on Pinto Lake a number of days later and as a result, Rocky Mountain House RCMP were notified on Mar. 18.

According to police, further investigation revealed the man was supposed to have returned to Edmonton on Mar. 17 and was overdue. 

Rocky Mountain House Search and Rescue, along with RCMP “K” Division Air Services personnel were then deployed to Pinto Lake where the man and his dog were located at his camp in good health.  

RCMP say the man advised them he ran out of adequate resources and was unable to successfully return to his vehicle and required assistance.

As a result, he stomped out an “SOS” signature in the snow on Pinto Lake in an effort to get help.

Mounties say the man and his dog were airlifted from Pinto Lake back to the trailhead staging area.

(With files from Rocky Mountain House RCMP)