Image credit: Kamloops RCMP
MAN MISSING

RCMP: Man swept away in North Thompson River on Friday still missing as of Sunday morning

Jul 14, 2024 | 10:19 AM

KAMLOOPS — Stan Cappis, the 50-year-old man from Red Deer who was swept away in the North Thompson River on Friday (July 12) afternoon, remains missing as of Sunday (July 14) morning, according to Kamloops RCMP Staff Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.

“I wish we had something to tell you,” Shoihet said, noting significant air and water rescue efforts were undertaken on Saturday. “We combed all around where we anticipated he may have surfaced to no avail.”

Police were called to an area of the North Thompson River near the Tournament Capital Ranch at about 3 p.m. on Friday.

Cappis and a friend had been near the river with several youths.

Two of the youths stepped off a sandbar into the fast-moving portion of the North Thompson and were starting to get carried down river, according to a Kamloops RCMP press release, which notes Cappis and his friend jumped in to rescue them.

Cappis’ friend and the youths were able to get to the shore. Cappis was swept away.

Police are asking anyone who lives in and around the area of the North Thompson, south of the Tournament Capital Ranch, to keep their eyes open for Cappis and report any information to the Kamloops RCMP.

Cappis is described as Caucasian with an athletic build and dark hair. He was last seen wearing shorts and sunglasses.

“We’re waiting I think a couple of days in order to see that the river will go down a little bit [to continue the search on the water],” Shoihet said on Sunday morning. “SAR [Kamloops Search and Rescue] recommended that in a couple days we might have a bit more luck.”

Shoihet said another search by air may take place on Saturday, and noted the importance of using extreme caution when in and around the river, which is fast-moving and dangerous.