Several agencies, including the Calgary Police Service, searched the Bow River on Saturday for signs of people who may have gone missing.
Despite no human remains being found in the search, which began at the Fish Creek Provincial Park Boat Launch at 9 a.m., CPS noted that the conclusion of Saturday’s search does not signal the end of missing persons investigations.
“It provides valuable information to help investigators refocus their efforts,” read a Saturday media release. “Each unsolved missing person investigation remains ongoing and we will continue to pursue answers for every missing person’s family.”
So far in 2024, 3,572 people have been reported missing in Calgary. While many have been located, approximately 0.17 per cent remain unaccounted for, said Calgary police Sgt. Amy George in a release.
About 75 searchers were involved in the search, from agencies like the Calgary Fire Department, RCMP, Calgary Search and Rescue Association, Cochrane Fire Services, Alberta Forestry and Parks and Community Safety Peace Officers.
CPS used HAWCS and remotely piloted aircraft systems to conduct the search from the air, while other agencies conducted ground and water searches of the Bow River and surrounding banks.
Although the banks of the Bow River are routinely monitored by CPS and CFD, water conditions being at their lowest and clearest this time of year make it easier to perform a thorough search.
“Over the years, this search has continued to grow in scale, and we now have eight individual partner agencies who have dedicated dozens of resources to this effort,” said Acting Staff Sgt. Paul Teworte, search manager for CPS in a release.