Hiker Found Alive Following Over Five Weeks Lost in Wilderness

Sam Benastick, a 20-year-old hiker, has been located alive after being lost for over five weeks in the British Columbia backwoods. He was reported missing on 19 October when he did not come back from a 10-day fishing and hiking excursion in Redfern-Keily Park, situated in the northern Rocky Mountains. Search and rescue operations for the experienced hiker were suspended by authorities in late October. During this period, temperatures in the area occasionally fell to approximately -20C (-4F). On Tuesday, Mr. Benastick was discovered by two individuals en route to the Redfern Lake trail for their work, who identified him as the missing hiker as he approached them. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cpl Madonna Saunderson informed the BBC on Wednesday that, considering the duration of his disappearance, a less favorable outcome had been anticipated. “We’re very grateful. The family is thrilled,” she stated, explaining that he had merely become lost. Mr. Benastick recounted to police that he remained in his vehicle for several days before proceeding on foot to a creek, where he established a camp for 10 to 15 days. When he initially went missing, he possessed a tarp, a backpack, and various camping provisions. Subsequently, he descended the valley and constructed a camp and shelter within a dried-out creek bed. Winter weather intensified, bringing some snowfall. Ultimately, Mr. Benastick reached the location where he signaled for assistance from his eventual rescuers. Adam Hawkins, search manager for Prince George Search and Rescue, informed the BBC, “Those are very difficult conditions for really anyone to survive in, especially [with] limited supplies and equipment and food.” He added, “Even someone with quite a bit of experience would find that challenging.” Mr. Hawkins noted that numerous entities, including multiple rescue teams, the Canadian Rangers, the RCMP, and both family and friends, had conducted extensive ground and air searches across “a pretty huge amount of terrain.” He described the area as a rugged, remote region, situated hours away from any settlements, characterized by low-lying hills, steep alpine cliffsides, and “even glaciated terrain.” Details regarding Mr. Benastick’s current condition or the specifics of his survival in the wilderness remain limited. He is presently hospitalized. Mike Reid, a local inn owner who became acquainted with Mr. Benastick’s family during their stay at his establishment amid the search, informed broadcaster CBC that the hiker had reportedly cut his sleeping bag and used it to wrap around his legs for warmth. Reid also stated he was told the young man almost collapsed while being placed into the ambulance and was in “rough shape.” Prior to his discovery, Mr. Benastick’s last confirmed whereabouts, according to the RCMP, were at a trailhead in the vicinity of Redfern Lake—the park’s largest lake—where he had been observed operating his red dirt bike. Mr. Hawkins, the search manager, expressed that he is “intensely curious” to gain further insight into the specific area where Mr. Benastick was located and his activities during his disappearance, with the aim of enhancing future search and rescue protocols.