Here's an incident that we observed while being transported from Rose Harbour to Moresby Camp in Gwaii Haanas in july;
We had finished an incredible two week trip of Gwaii Haanas and were spending a couple of days of R&R at Rose Harbour with Susan, Gotz and Reuben. Rose Harbour is a former whaling station located on the north end of Kunghit Island off of Houston Stewart Channel.The property was purchased by a group of people in the 70's and is the only privately held land in the park ( the politics surrounding Rose Harbour and Parks Canada is another story in itself!). We had arranged with Moresby Explorers to transport us back to moresby camp and our truck via zodiac. What had taken us twelve days to paddle would take all of 4 hours in the zodiac!
Chris motored into rose harbour about midday and we quickly loaded boats and gear, said our good byes and were off. Chris informed us that due to the weather ( S.E. 20 knts.) we'd be sticking to the inside route. We had a laugh see the trip in reverse pointing out areas we had been and camping spots. As we headed north up Juan Perez Sound (notorious when its blowing) passing the Bischof Island group, Chris suddenly throttled down and swung towards the islands. Turns out he had received a distress call from a couple waving frantically from a small beach. Here's what happened;
This couple is part of a group of six that have been split up with this couple parked on this beach, another couple just around the corner safely holed up in a quiet bay and the third couple 2 to 3 miles away on Hotsprings Island. Thing is, no one seems to know where the others are! Chris gets the zodiac as close to the beach as possible and yells to the couple to launch and follow us inside to safety and hopefully hook up with their friends. No way are they getting in that boat! Its easy to see the fear and panic gripping them. Chris tells them to sit tight ( as if their going anywhere ) as we head in to find their friends. We find them snug and safe in a quiet cove with a fire going. After much coaxing and discussion, Chris convinces this guy to follow us out so he can hook up with this couple and head back inside. It took a lot of talking to get this guy in his boat. Although the weather had calmed right down, everyone was "scared shitless" and wasn't prepared to trust Chris's judgment. Finally, the two groups hooked up and we stood off until they were safely inside. While all this was going on, Chris was really concerned about his fuel situation. Soon after we got another call letting us know that the third couple was safe and sound on Hotsprings Island.
How did this group get split up? Did they have a plan? Who was leading? We never got a chance to ask these questions but it once again highlights the importance of safety, communication and leadership while paddling, be it a day paddle or a trip. Hats off to Chris for his professionalism and his calming voice and clear thinking. Well done!
Bill Pierson
Bowen Island BC
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