----Search for 3 hikers on Unnecessary Mtn. BC  August 8/95-------
  -----------------Lions Bay Search And Rescue----------------------

Thu Aug 10 14:45:26 1995
Message : #30268807    From: Search & Rescue Info [9076]
Group   : Community.Rescue
Subject : Search on Unnecessary Mtn.

A group of three hikers, starting at noon,  had hiked up the Lions Trail
with the intention of returning on the Unnecessary Mtn. Trail.
The group had not reached the end of the trail when darkness fell.
Although they had brought extra food and water, a compass and
a whistle,  they had no map and only a penlight flashlight between
them so they were unable to proceed down the steep trail in the dark
and unable to determine their exact location.  Having brought a cell
phone with them, they had called one of their mothers as well as some
friends.  The friends had intended to go searching for the group but had
been unable to find the start of the trail in the dark.
The mother called the RCMP who advised that the friends not go searching
for the group and return home.  The RCMP then contacted Lions Bay
Search And Rescue who at approximately 11:15 PM initiated a search.

Given the phone number for the group's cell phone, the search manager
contacted the group to find out that one of the party had taken the
penlight and gone off in search of the trail, while one other member
was described as wearing wet clothes and been shivering for some time.
The search manager instructed them to regroup and wait for searchers.

Suspecting that at least one subject was suffering from hypothermia,
a hasty search team was dispatched up the Unnecessary Mtn. trail with extra
warm clothing and medical kits while at base preparations were
made to have EHS respond.

Searchers found the group together at 12:55 AM at the 610m elevation
mark on the trail.  One member of the group was determined to be
suffering from mild hypothermia and given warm, dry clothes to wear.
EHS was not required.  The group was then led down the trail to their
car and brought back to SAR base for an interview and final check-over.
The operation was stood down at 3:00 AM.

At 6:30 AM Lions Bay SAR was call-out to assist North Shore Rescue in
search for missing woman on Grouse Mountain...

Bob Manson
Lions Bay Search & Rescue, BC

sarinfo@mindlink.bc.ca


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