A 21-year-old man who was lost hiking up Mt. Arrowsmith was found on Saturday night.
“On Saturday, Sept. 10 at 7:50 p.m. the Port Alberni RCMP received a call from a father requesting help to locate his 21-year-old son who had gone hiking somewhere near Mt. Arrowsmith,” said Cpl. Amelia Hayden.
The Qualicum Beach man had driven and parked near an unknown trail head then walked in to the bush from there Neither his father, nor anyone else, knew where he had gone. The son had contacted his father by cell phone at 3:30 p.m. but when he failed to return his father called police.
Although the young man did have a cell phone, some food and a jacket, he was not properly prepared to go in the back country.
He was unfamiliar with the area, did not have a map and compass or GPS and had not told anyone where he was going, Hayden said.
The police were able to contact the young man by cell phone and were eventually able to locate him an hour later.
“It just happens the member that had the call really knew the area well. He was able to go in and deal with it,” said Hayden.
“When found, the man was doing fine just a little tired. He was escorted back to the highway where he was left to go on his way after receiving some advise from the police about hiking do’s and don’ts.”
In this instance, the young man was fortunate that his cell was in range and because he was able to detail his every movement from leaving his parked car, allowing the attending police officer to locate him, Cpl. Amelia Hayden noted.
The public is reminded to ensure you are well prepared for your adventures into the back country.
This includes advising someone of your planned trip location.
Also, remember that the days are getting shorter and to plan your time accordingly.
Recommended essentials include a flashlight and spare batteries, extra food and water, extra clothing, navigational aids. fire starter, a first aid kit, emergency shelter and a signalling device.
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