Sooke Hills Wilderness park rescue prompts police call for hiker preparedness
Erik. West Shore RCMP file photo.
–West Shore RCMP media release
West Shore RCMP frontline officers undertook a 12 km hike over rough mountainous terrain to rescue two lost hikers at a popular hiking mountain.
Police were notified at approximately 8:40 p.m on March 27, 2021, that a 17-year-old male and an 18-year-old female had gotten lost while hiking in the Sooke Hills Wilderness Regional Park in Metchosin. The pair reported that they had no water, food, or any survival supplies. Furthermore, their cellphone battery was at only 4% battery life.
GPS coordinates were obtained and police, accompanied by Police Service Dog “Erik” hiked up the trails and eventually were able to make voice contact with the lost hikers.
“The hikers were located three hours later, thirsty but unharmed,” said Cst. Alex Bérubé, Media Relations Officer with the West Shore RCMP.
West Shore RCMP would like to remind hikers to be prepared when going hiking. This includes, but is not limited to, bringing water and food and dressing appropriately. For more, please read the following tips: Hiking Safety Tips
We see hikers like this all the time, no pack, no proper foot wear, no maps, no safety gear. We live in a vast landscape. Even Thetis and Mt Doug can be dangerous if you are not prepared. Such a waste of police time for careless people. Glad they are alright but get your head on people.