Princeton RCMP worked together with a Washington State sheriff’s department this week, to ensure the safety of an elderly hiker.
A 67-year-old woman from Whatcom County, who had recently recovered from triple bypass surgery, was solo hiking the Pacific Coast Trail, south of the border, when she felt unwell, according to Princeton Sgt. Rob Hughes.
She activated the SOS feature on her Garmin InReach GSP satellite device. Whatcom police were able to communicate with her to ensure her well-being, and also to follow her movements as she headed north.
When the woman reached the border, entering Manning Park, her InReach device allowed her to be tracked by Princeton RCMP. Cpl. Kyle Richmond communicated with her to confirm she was safe overnight, July 13, and had adequate provisions.
On Wednesday, July 14, Princeton RCMP drove to Manning Park, met the hiker, and delivered her to the border, coordinating with Canada Border Services Agency.
Hughes took the opportunity to stress the importance of backcountry users equipping themselves with potentially lifesaving GPS satellite devices.
Related: Missing hiker died in Manning Park, says mother
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