A vacationing hiker spent a chilly night in the bush near Sayward.
The 54-year-old man and his wife were visiting from the United Kingdom when they decided to go hiking Saturday in the densely forested area above the Village of Sayward.
He was last seen by his wife around 1:30 p.m., who then contacted authorities an hour later.
That sparked a large-scale search involving the RCMP helicopter, other officers and emergency service volunteers, a police dog, and members of the Campbell River, Comox Valley, Parksville and Nanaimo search and rescue teams.
“Apart from searching the logging roads, the terrain was very difficult, with dense second-growth forest and steep cliffs,” said Tim Fairbank of Campbell River Search and Rescue in a news release.
The search continued throughout the night. Then on Sunday, at 7:30 a.m., the missing man was spotted by the police chopper crew nearby where he was last seen.
Ground rescue crews immediately attended to the location where he was found to be in good health. He had the necessary food and clothing with him to remain safe throughout the night.
“It is astounding to see how many volunteer search and rescue crews, volunteer firefighters, rescuers and community members step forward at a time like this to offer their support,” said Cpl. Milo Ramsey of the Sayward RCMP in a news release. “We were able to amass a professional, highly-trained and dedicated team within a short time frame, leading to the safe rescue of this man.”
The volunteer search teams were also impressed by the hospitality.
“The folks in the village of Sayward were remarkable in their support of the search mission, supplying meals, accommodation and logistical support for the RCMP and volunteers the entire time,” said Fairbank. “When you drop what you’re doing, be it paid work or a weekend with family, and go help someone in need, it really feels good to be appreciated.”
