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Search underway at Bulkley River near Telkwa after police find empty boat

A search and rescue effort is underway at the Bulkley River near Telkwa for three people who were last seen intoxicated in a boat.

A search and rescue effort is underway at the Bulkley River near Telkwa for three people who were last seen intoxicated in a boat they allegedly stole from a campground.

Police were called to the Fort Telkwa campground about 2 a.m. this morning after a complaint that a 14 foot aluminium boat had been stolen.

When they arrived the boat was anchored in the middle of the river with nobody in it.

Smithers RCMP Staff Sergeant Rob Mitchell said police were extremely concerned for the safety of the people involved.

“Currently, our main focus is the safety of the individuals involved,” said Sgt Mitchell.

“We need to confirm that they are safe and we need to rule out that they may have been swept downstream or were the victims of some other kind of mishap.”

Police hoped the public could help verify their safety.

“The accusations of theft can be ironed out at a later time as it may no longer be an issue as the boat has been recovered," said Sgt Mitchell.

Anyone with information can contact Smithers RCMP on 250-847-3233.