Youth rescued from Fraser River in New Westminster by ferry crew and police

A youth was rescued from the Fraser River at New Westminster’s Quayside waterfront on Nov. 4 after a bystander, ferry crew and police worked together to reach her, police said. Officers were called at about 6:15 p.m. following reports that the girl had entered the river.

Witnesses reported that she was in distress and struggling to stay above water. While officers were on their way, a bystander used nylon tree-staking straps found nearby to make a rope long enough to reach her.

The bystander attached a life ring to the improvised rope. Police said the youth was able to hold onto the ring and remain afloat until officers arrived.

Officers commandeered the Q to Q Ferry and directed it toward her location. Working with the ferry crew, they reached the youth and pulled her safely from the water onto the vessel.

The youth was uninjured and was taken to hospital for assessment, according to the New Westminster Police Department.

Police said the circumstances of her entry into the river remain under investigation, but investigators do not believe the incident was criminal in nature.

Sgt. Andrew Leaver said the bystander, ferry crew and responding officers all played a critical role in the rescue. The department thanked everyone involved for acting quickly and helping.