On Saturday, Oct. 30, members of the Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue were called out to look for two lost hikers on Gambier Island.
The hikers, two young adult males, had left around 1:30 p.m.
Their intent had been to hike to Gambier Lake from Centre Bay. They were lightly dressed and were unfamiliar with the route. By 4:30 p.m. and with the approach of darkness, it became obvious to them that they had missed their way and were lost.
They contacted their parents on a cell phone and advised them of their situation. They were cautioned to stay put and the RCMP were contacted, who in turn activated the search teams.
The RCMP ferried over the search teams to Gambier Island by Zodiak. After a brief conference with the parents, a search plan was put in place. Teams were deployed along what were perceived to be the most likely routes. The teams searched throughout the night, often coping with steep and challenging terrain and capricious changes in the weather. Owing to the vast area to be covered with a relative small number of searchers and the difficulty of locating the subjects in the dark, they still had not been located by daylight.
At this point the decision was made to call in additional help from both Lions Bay and North Shore Search and Rescue.
Daylight and the clear weather that it brought allowed the hikers to get a better idea of their surroundings. They were able to locate a creek drainage and follow it to the shoreline. They were subsequently reunited with their parents.
They had been out for 24 hours. Aside from being tired, hungry and wet, they had suffered no ill effects from their night in the bush. However, this event might have turned out differently.
Members of the Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue would like to remind the hiking public that the days are getting shorter with the onset of winter. Hikers should allow enough time to reach their destination and return within the hours of daylight.
People venturing into the backcountry should carry a daypack containing the following essentials: map and compass, water, food, warm clothes and rain gear, fire starter, kindling, emergency shelter (mylar sheet or tarp), whistle, knife and head lamp or flashlight.
Most importantly, tell someone where you intend to go and stick to that plan.
A cell phone is a good idea, but it will only be useful as long as the battery lasts and it won't tell you where you are.
In the event that you are overtaken by darkness, it is strongly advised that you stay put and prepare yourself to wait for rescue. To avoid possible injury, do not attempt to move about in the dark. Be prepared, be safe and enjoy the beauty of B.C.
