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Hiker breaks cardinal rule, gets lost on Mt. Benson

May 29, 2017 | 12:25 PM

NANAIMO — With no emergency supplies, food, water and only wearing shorts and a t-shirt, a lost hiker was forced to spend a night on Mount Benson after getting himself lost.

Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said “the only thing going for this young man was that the weather was cooperating” and it could have been a lot worse.

The 23-year-old hiker left from Witchcraft Lake with a group of friends for an evening hike up Mt. Benson after 5 p.m. on Friday, May 26. O’Brien said the man quickly became lost after he ran ahead and was separated, breaking a cardinal rule of hiking.

RCMP and Search and Rescue searched the area all night after the group returned to Witchcraft Lake and their friend wasn’t there.

“Even with (civilian search dog) Hazel and an extensive group of trained volunteers, they couldn’t find him,” O’Brien said.

After spending a cold night on the mountain, he returned to his friends safe and sound around 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

O’Brien said the hiker thankfully stayed put overnight, but should never have wandered as far as he did.

He said this is a prime example of why it’s crucial to always be prepared, even when going on a short day hike.

“Anything can happen, especially up there. Cell coverage is spotty at the best of times.”

When hiking, it’s always recommended to bring extra layers, water and food and be prepared for the worst.

 

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