Crews from Nanaimo Search and Rescue are continuing a search for two missing people in the Nanaimo Lakes area. (submitted/RCMP)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

MISSING COUPLE

UPDATE: Missing Nanaimo couple found safe after extensive search

Nov 13, 2020 | 9:04 AM

UPDATE — A couple who failed to return from a fishing trip on Remembrance Day were found safe by Nanaimo Search and Rescue crews on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Nanaimo RCMP reports the couple and their dog were transported by helicopter to the nearby staging area and reunited with family.

– – –

EARLIER — NANAIMO — RCMP in conjunction with mid-Island Search and Rescue crews are resuming their search for a missing Nanaimo couple.

Cody Martin and Tamara Sandulak failed to return from a scheduled fishing trip on Wednesday, Nov. 11 in the Nanaimo Lakes area. A search began the following day when friends and family became concerned.

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Cst. Gary O’Brien said dozens of search and rescue personnel are combing through the vast wilderness, hampered by terrain and recent weather.

“There’s been a couple of days of snowfall, the roads are considered trecherous, a lo tof it is private property, it’s been actively logged and it’s an active hunting area.”

Police are asking the public to stay away from the area despite the intention of wanting to help out.

O’Brien said an abundance of people would mean extra footprints and could contaminate any trails or leads they’d ordinarily find.

Nanaimo SAR will be aided Friday by crews from Arrowsmith and Cowichan search and rescue with a faint hope for addition eyes in the sky.

“We’re hoping to have some air support but the weather’s not looking good. Depending if the ceiling clears we should have the chopper today,” O’Brien said.

The couple are believed to be in a burgundy Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, license plate NV 9240. Crews are yet to find it and hope discovering where the truck is will lead them to Martin and Sandulak.

The couple also have a black labrador-cross dog named Rex. Both are experienced in the outdoors and are familiar with the area they’re believed to be in. Crews also believe they’re dressed appropriately to be outside in the wilderness.

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