Search is on for missing mushroom picker from Chase | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kamloops News

Search is on for missing mushroom picker from Chase

A mushroom picker from the Neskonlith Indian Band near Chase is missing from a northern B.C. camp.

Lyle Martin, 61, intended to join the mushroom picking camp located at km 36 of Eskai Road near Fort Nelson July 1. He was last seen when he was dropped off to hike into the bush. Martin had arrangements to be picked up at the same spot at 5 p.m. but never returned. A large group of mushroom pickers organized a search but were unable to find him.

Northern Rockies RCMP were told of the missing man July 2 prompting deployment of a Search and Rescue team. Martin's backpack was found several hundred metres from where his friend dropped him off, but searchers found no trace of Martin.

"Though Lyle Martin is known as an experienced outdoors person with advanced hunting, fishing and back country skills, we area extremely concerned," North District RCMP Const. Lesley Smith said. "He was equipped with the necessities for a one day excursion and we have since located that backpack. Our search efforts will continue with assistance of numerous volunteers on the ground as well as in the air, with the hopes of locating Lyle Martin."

Mounties say the terrain in the area is extremely rough and difficult to maneuver on foot due to fallen trees, thick brush and the swampy environment. Search teams with SAR and other pickers are finding the conditions extremely challenging due to the overwhelming presence of bugs.

For Nelson Search and Rescue has joined the search effort along with volunteers on ATVs, a police service dog from Fort Nelson and a local helicopter that continues to assist with an ariel search of the area.

Another mushroom picker from the Anahim Lake First Nation was rescued last week in northern B.C. He was missing for two days, exposed to the elements that brought steady rain and cold overnight temperatures. A group of 350 people from the Ulkatcho Band organized a search on the first day and RCMP joined in on day two. The 46-year-old man was found by an RCMP Search and Rescue team during a flyover when smoke from his campfire was spotted. By the time he was found he was in poor condition, suffering from hypothermia and dehydration, but is expected to make a full recovery.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013
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