The bodies of a father and daughter have been recovered after a weekend ATV outing near Campbell River ended in tragedy.

The dad, his daughter and another girl said to be her friend were out for a ride Sunday morning when they attempted to cross a fast-moving Woods Creek.

"A dad and two younger girls were out for a ride yesterday morning and went to go across the creek, as far as we know, and at that point got into some difficulty and were swept into the creek," said Daryl Beck, manager for Campbell River Search and Rescue.

Those living near the creek reportedly heard screams when it happened and were able to pull one of the girls to safety.

"We do understand that one of the young girls was pulled out reasonably quickly by a passerby who was out walking their dog, and she was extracted and taken away by BC Ambulance to hospital," said Beck.

Some 35 search and rescue members sprang into action trying to find the remaining two individuals.

The body of the other teen was found late Sunday just before crews called off search efforts for the night due to darkness and safety concerns.

Rescuers were hopeful they could find the father when the search resumed Monday morning, but admitted they were preparing for the worst.

"To leave somebody out there tugs at our heartstrings, to think about the fact that it isn't over and you're coming back for another look," Beck said.

The man's body was finally recovered late Monday morning.

It's believed the father and daughter were the ones found deceased, and police say all three involved are from Campbell River.

"We have engaged RCMP Victim Services to assist the family and friends," said Campbell River RCMP Staff-Sgt. Troy Beauregard. "Two of the persons are youth. The school district has been involved as well."

Campbell River SAR President Paul Berry said the section of Woods Creek where the incident occurred is considered "pretty benign," but was surging due to heavy amounts of snow and rain the previous night.

The investigation is now in the hands of the BC Coroner's Service, which has not yet identified the deceased.

With files from The Canadian Press and CTV Vancouver Island's Gord Kurbis