SAYWARD—A 54-year-old man vacationing with his wife from the United Kingdom was found unharmed Sunday morning following an intensive search overnight in a densely forested area above Sayward.
The man, whose name was not released by RCMP, became separated from his wife during a hike in the wooded area Saturday. The woman contacted police just before 2:30 p.m. Saturday, about an hour after the man went missing.
A large-scale search-and-rescue operation commenced, involving local RCMP officers, volunteer firefighters and rescue personnel, RCMP Air Services, Comox Valley RCMP Police Dog Services, and members of the Campbell River, Comox Valley, Parksville and Nanimo Search and Rescue teams.
“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. “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 search continued overnight and, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Sunday, the man was spotted by the crew of an RCMP helicopter, a short distance from where he was last seen.
Ground rescue crews immediately attended to the man’s location where he was found to be in good physical health.
The man had the necessary food and clothing with him to remain safe throughout the night.