Two tired but otherwise in good health hikers were rescued early Sept. 14 after they became lost the night before.

With the help of Big Horn Helicopters, a search and rescue member and RCMP police dog handler, two subjects were located early this morning (Sept. 14) after spending the night in the wilderness.

A group of five hikers had set out for a hike on Sunday afternoon in the Mt. Evans area near St. Mary’s Lake. Two members of the party got tired and headed back after lunch while the others carried on. When the three hikers returned they found the truck belonging to one of hikers still at trail parking area. They contacted police who did some preliminary checks and then through Emergency Management BC activated area Search and Rescue teams from Cranbrook and Kimberley.

SAR members were on site throughout the night, but the searching began once the sun was up.

A helicopter took a police dog handler and SAR member into the area and found the two waving. The helicopter landed and was able to transport the subjects out, as they were too cold and tired to walk. They were safe in good health but advise they didn’t get much sleep.

Additional resources from Fernie and Additional resources from Fernie and Columbia Valley SAR teams were en route to the search when the hikers were found.

The two subjects (68 and 72) from Cranbrook and Abbotsford did the right thing once they realized they were lost; they made a fire and waited. Often lost persons will wander aimlessly trying to find a way, but they are often making it more difficult for search teams.

“This was an excellent response and coordinated effort between RCMP and Cranbrook and Kimberley SAR teams that resulted in a happy ending,” said Cpl. Chris Newel of Kimberley RCMP.

Wendy Hetherington Photo

Article Share