Mom, son rescued from Algonquin Park with help from Upper Ottawa Valley OPP
Posted Jun 23, 2025 01:24:06 PM.
Last Updated Jun 23, 2025 01:24:57 PM.
A mom and her son were camping in a remote southeastern portion of Algonquin Provincial Park when a severe storm ripped through the area.
Saturday, overnight into Sunday morning, southeastern Ontario felt the wrath of a brutal storm as a result of dramatically increasing temperatures. The storm has left many in Ottawa and the surrounding area without power.
The strong winds slammed into the region, tossing debris and downing trees, including on on top of the pair’s tent. This left the 13-year-old with very serious injuries.
His mom triggered an “SOS” signal on a device which transmitted their coordinates to rescuers. One of those units responding was the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP members, who loaded up their ATVs and headed to the nearest park entrance.
OPP emergency response members, park rangers and Renfrew County paramedics also responded.
Because of the weather, an aerial rescue was not possible. This meant crews had to make the “harrowing” trek through the roads and trails filled with debris from the storm, a post by OPP reads. The dense bush meant a lot of trees and branches were topped and they had to use hand saws to clear the way until another team brought chainsaws.
Then rescuers launched a canoe and paddled to the pair, immediately starting first aid on the son.
By 8:30 a.m., a float plane was able to arrive and transported the mom and her son to the hospital where the teen underwent treatment.
“The seamless teamwork of this successful rescue is an example of the resilience and training of all involved,” OPP said of the event.
