Kamloops RCMP continue search for Alberta man swept away by river after rescue attempt

Police in Kamloops, B.C., say the search continues for an Alberta man lost in the North Thompson River.

Kamloops RCMP say officers responded to a call around 3 p.m. PT on Friday near a sports complex after a man was reportedly “swept away” by the river. 

Police say 50-year-old Stan Cappis and a friend jumped into a fast-moving portion of the river to rescue two young people who got caught by the river’s current. 

Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet says Cappis’ friend and the youths made it to shore, but Cappis was “swept away” and was last spotted around a river bend. 

A white man with spiky brown hair smiles.
Cappis is described as a white man with an athletic build and dark hair. He was last seen wearing shorts and sunglasses. (Kamloops RCMP)

Police say efforts by emergency personnel and numerous civilians to find Cappis began immediately, but he wasn’t found. 

RCMP say the search will continue Sunday with help from the local search-and-rescue team, and police say people who live in the area around the Tournament Capital Ranch should be on the lookout for Cappis. 

Cappis is described as a white man with an athletic build and dark hair. He was last seen wearing shorts and sunglasses, according to police.

“As much as it’s not comfortable to wear a personal flotation device, that’s the best takeaway here,” Shoihet said in a Sunday interview.

Police likely looking at recovery mission

Shoihet told CBC News that, given the length of time that had elapsed since Cappis went missing, police were likely looking at a recovery mission and not a rescue mission.

She said the circumstances of the incident — where the man dove in to save others and got swept away himself — is weighing heavily on some officers involved in the recovery effort.

“It was definitely a tough day for our members on Friday, and yesterday as well,” the staff sergeant said. “You know, it’s really, really unfortunate.”

“As much as we do see unfortunate events, it does still impact us.”

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Posted in CBC