District 9 RCMP with the assistance of several emergency response organizations rescued three people trapped in their home because of rising flood waters.
On March 22, 2012 at approximately 4:15 p.m., District 9 RCMP where called to a house on Mathilda Street in Middle River, N.B. where three people were trapped in their home due to flood waters. A large ice jam had formed earlier in the afternoon which caused the river to flood homes on Mathilda Street.
When officers arrived they discovered that a family of three and their two dogs weren't able to flee their home because it was surrounded by rapid flowing flood water from the Middle River.
"We quickly coordinated rescue efforts" says Cpl. Dan Dorais, District 9 RCMP. "It was a risky situation because the water level was at the top of the foundation. The current was so strong that it tore the deck off the house and we couldn't safely use a rescue boat because of the strength of the current and the amount of debris and ice in the water."
A Canadian Forces Search and Rescue helicopter from CFB Greenwood arrived on scene and airlifted the residents and their pets to the Bathurst Airport. The Sainte-Anne Fire Department and Bathurst Fire Department also assisted in the five hour rescue effort.
The Bathurst RCMP would like to thank everyone who assisted in this rescue.
