The harrowing story of survival highlights the challenges faced during search and rescue efforts in the rugged terrain.
**Missing Hiker Rescued After Surviving Over a Month in the Wild**
**Missing Hiker Rescued After Surviving Over a Month in the Wild**
A 20-year-old hiker from British Columbia is found alive after 35 days lost in the wilderness.
In a remarkable turn of events, 20-year-old hiker Sam Benastick was discovered alive after spending more than five weeks missing in the wilderness of British Columbia’s Redfern-Keily Park. Benastick, an experienced outdoor enthusiast, embarked on what was intended to be a 10-day fishing and hiking trip on October 19 but never returned, prompting a search operation by local authorities that eventually had to be suspended.
On November 24, he was spotted by two individuals as he made his way along the Redfern Lake trail. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that they recognized him as the missing person and promptly alerted authorities. "Given the time he was missing, we were prepared for a different outcome,” said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson of the RCMP, expressing relief and gratitude at Benastick’s return.
After being lost for over a month, temperatures in the region had dipped as low as -20°C (-4°F). During the early days of his ordeal, Benastick took shelter in his car before relocating to a nearby creek, where he camped for approximately 10 to 15 days. Despite being equipped with only a tarp and limited camping supplies, he managed to create a more stable shelter by utilizing his surroundings as winter weather set in, including snowfall.
Adam Smith, a search manager with Prince George Search and Rescue, remarked on the challenges Benastick faced, stating, "Those are very difficult conditions for anyone to survive in, especially with limited supplies." The search for the hiker involved multiple teams, including the Canadian Rangers, RCMP, and Benastick’s family and friends, covering extensive and rugged terrain that includes steep cliffs and glaciated areas.
Details about Benastick’s physical condition remain unclear. Reports indicate he was taken to a nearby hospital, and while he was in “rough shape,” he had managed to stay warm by cutting and wrapping parts of his sleeping bag around himself. Local inn owner Mike Reid, who had been supporting Benastick's family during the search, noted that the young man appeared weak upon rescue.
Before his disappearance, Benastick was last seen at a trailhead by Redfern Lake riding his red dirt bike. Smith expressed a keen interest in understanding what Benastick encountered during his time lost to improve future search and rescue operations in the area.
As families and friends breathe a sigh of relief, this incident serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of nature’s formidable challenges.
On November 24, he was spotted by two individuals as he made his way along the Redfern Lake trail. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that they recognized him as the missing person and promptly alerted authorities. "Given the time he was missing, we were prepared for a different outcome,” said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson of the RCMP, expressing relief and gratitude at Benastick’s return.
After being lost for over a month, temperatures in the region had dipped as low as -20°C (-4°F). During the early days of his ordeal, Benastick took shelter in his car before relocating to a nearby creek, where he camped for approximately 10 to 15 days. Despite being equipped with only a tarp and limited camping supplies, he managed to create a more stable shelter by utilizing his surroundings as winter weather set in, including snowfall.
Adam Smith, a search manager with Prince George Search and Rescue, remarked on the challenges Benastick faced, stating, "Those are very difficult conditions for anyone to survive in, especially with limited supplies." The search for the hiker involved multiple teams, including the Canadian Rangers, RCMP, and Benastick’s family and friends, covering extensive and rugged terrain that includes steep cliffs and glaciated areas.
Details about Benastick’s physical condition remain unclear. Reports indicate he was taken to a nearby hospital, and while he was in “rough shape,” he had managed to stay warm by cutting and wrapping parts of his sleeping bag around himself. Local inn owner Mike Reid, who had been supporting Benastick's family during the search, noted that the young man appeared weak upon rescue.
Before his disappearance, Benastick was last seen at a trailhead by Redfern Lake riding his red dirt bike. Smith expressed a keen interest in understanding what Benastick encountered during his time lost to improve future search and rescue operations in the area.
As families and friends breathe a sigh of relief, this incident serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of nature’s formidable challenges.
