Police commandeer local ferry to rescue youth from river in New Westminster, B.C.

The rescue of a girl struggling in the Fraser River this week in New Westminster, B.C. was aided by an improvised rope and commandeering of a local ferry. Witnesses reported the youth in distress, and a bystander fashioned a makeshift rope using tree staking straps and attached a life ring, tossing it to the girl. Police officers seized control of a ferry connecting downtown New Westminster to Queensborough, collaborating with the vessel's crew to reach and safely retrieve the girl from the water.

The girl was unharmed but taken to the hospital for assessment. Police do not suspect criminal activity, stating the incident is under investigation. Sgt. Andrew Leaver praised the community’s quick-thinking rescuer, the ferry crew, and responding officers for their critical roles in bringing the youth to safety.