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Canadian authorities have confirmed that a man, Sam Benastick,who went missing for more than five weeks in the remote wilderness of Canada has been found alive.
Benastick was first reported missing on October 19 after failing to return from an excursion into the rugged backcountry of British Columbia, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in British Columbia.
On Tuesday, at approximately 11:30 a.m., over five weeks after Benastick was initially declared missing, Northern Rockies RCMP received notification that he had been discovered by two individuals heading toward the Redfern Lake trail for work.
It was revealed that the two men spotted a figure walking toward them and, upon approaching, realized it was Benastick.
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The men immediately transported Benastick to a hospital, where officers later confirmed his identity as the man who had been reported missing, reports stated.
“Sam told police that he stayed in his car for a couple of days and then walked to a creek, mountain side where he camped out for 10-15 days,” the British Columbia Royal Canadian Mounted Police revealed.
After that, Benastick reportedly ventured further into the valley, where he established a camp and built a shelter in a dry creek bed. His ordeal ended when he encountered the two men who brought him to safety, officials added.
“Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome. After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this was would not be the outcome,” said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson of the British Columbia Royal Canadian Mounted Police Communications.
The RCMP extended their gratitude to everyone involved in the search efforts. “The RCMP would like to sincerely thank the Fort Nelson and North Peace Search and Rescue teams, including other Search and Rescue jurisdictions that provided mutual aid support, the Canadian Rangers along with many local volunteers with extensive backcountry knowledge of the area,” authorities said.
RCMP said, “The time, effort and resources put in to locate Sam from the time of notification he was missing was beyond measure. We are thankful for the great outcome.”
(ABC News)
