Separated hiker rescued last night on Mount Seymour

A hiker has been recued from Mt. Seymour after spending 9 hours stranded on the Mountain.

On November 26th, 2023 at 6:30 pm, North Vancouver RCMP received a report from a group of hikers. The hikers alerted officers that one of their party did not return with them at the end of their hike. The group had met through an online hiking group and was hiking for the first time together. As such, the individuals knew very little information about the missing hiker. Furthermore, the hiker’s phone was dead and Police were unable to track the hiker through their cellular device.

With the sun down, temperatures declining rapidly, and treacherous hiking conditions, North Shore Rescue (NSR) was called out to assist with the search for the missing hiker. After 9 hours of search on the Mountain, NSR located the hiker using traditional foot searches and call-outs. It was revealed that the hiker had slipped while attempting to take a shortcut and subsequently slid down the side of the Mountain. The hiker had eventually landed near a river, unbeknownst to the rest of the group.

The hiker, who was ultimately rescued by NSR, suffered minor injuries from the fall.

North Vancouver RCMP rely on partners and industry experts, like North Shore Rescue to help during these complex rescues, said Cst. Mansoor Sahak, spoke’s person for the North Vancouver RCMP.

Please do your part to remain safe and aware of your location when hiking in the North Shore mountains.

Here are some tips to ensure that you have fun and that every hike ends safely:

• Do Not Hike Alone - If you are going to hike into the forest, a canyon or some more hazardous area, you should never go alone. Hiking with a partner has many advantages. You are less likely to become anxious when confronted with a problem or setback. You can also assist each other on getting up steep inclines or across streams that could prove dangerous. There is also the consideration that if one of you get injured, the other will be there to help or go for help.
• Plan Ahead - Before you leave plan ahead. Make sure you know as much as you can about the area you will be hiking. Study the latest guidebooks and maps. Make sure you check the weather for the area on the planned day of the hike. Learn more about Trip Planning with BC AdventureSmart’s Three T’s.
• Leave Word of your Destination and Schedule - This is very important. This can help in locating you in an emergency. Make sure you tell someone where you are going and when you should be back. Learn more with these helpful tips from North Shore Rescue.
• Exercise Common Sense - Do not get over-confident when on the trail and do things that are risky or foolish. Do not take risky chances that could turn your hike deadly.
• A headlamp is essential if you are going to watch the sunset from the top of the mountain.
• Dress Appropriately - Make sure you dress for the season and wear the right hiking shoes or boots. Layered clothing is the best to meet changing weather conditions. If cool or wet conditions are expected, it is recommended that you avoid cotton clothing, which insulates poorly when wet and dries slowly. Learn more about choosing the appropriate hiking gear.
• Take Along the Right Equipment - A day pack containing rain gear, extra warm clothing, high energy food, water, first aid kit, pocket knife, matches in a waterproof container, and insect repellent are recommended. A flashlight or pen light and a GPS unit proved useful in locating a lost hiker recently.
• If you get lost, keep calm, stay dry, keep warm and if possible, stay put. If you have to stay overnight, build a campfire for warmth, light, and safety. Most dangerous wild animals will not go near campfires. If an aircraft is used in a search, the smoke of a campfire can be spotted. If the weather is cold or bad and you must spend the night there, also build a small shelter. You can use dead branches, hemlock boughs and leaves. This will shelter you from the elements. Set up camp before darkness falls if possible. If you feel you can find your way out of the woods, remember that following a stream downhill will usually lead you back to an inhabited area.