Port Hardy RCMP say they received an iPhone SOS Wednesday night from a man whose vehicle was disabled by floodwaters.
A second group travelling in an RV stopped to help, but rising water and debris quickly trapped both vehicles.
RCMP couldn’t reach the scene because of mudslides and washouts blocking every access route.
Campbell River Search and Rescue coordinated with the military’s Joint Rescue Centre in Comox, and a 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron helicopter airlifted all eight people to safety. No serious injuries were reported.
Staff Sergeant Kim Rutherford says the rescue shows how extreme weather can create dangerous situations in remote North Island areas.
Police are urging people to stay away from the region through the weekend as heavy rain continues.
DriveBC says Holberg Road remains closed near Port Hardy due to the landslide, an assessment is ongoing.
