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Search teams from multiple search and rescue agencies are spending a second day combing steep forested areas on Grouse Mountain searching for a 74-year-old hiker who has been missing for three days.
Thirty-five searchers from North Shore Rescue, Lions Bay, Ridge Meadows, Sunshine Coast and Coquitlam search and rescue teams are now searching the bush off the main trails on the front of Grouse for any signs of hiker Howard Moore, said search manager Greg Miller.
The search today continues amid increasing concern after both a helicopter search and search of main trails yesterday failed to turn up any sign of Moore, whose car was found in the Grouse parking lot with a note indicating he intended to hike the Skyline Trail on Sunday, June 27.
Moore, an experienced hiker apparently familiar with North Shore mountain trails, went missing as the region experienced record-breaking high temperatures.
Searchers covered main trails in the area until about 10 p.m. Tuesday. A helicopter was also used to fly over creek drainages where it was too dangerous to send ground crews, said Miller.
Conditions are still hot for searchers, but “it’s not as bad as yesterday,” he added. Most of the search is also taking place under the tree canopy.
Searchers are very concerned that they haven’t located any signs of Moore, or heard any responses to searchers’ calls, said Miller.
“If a person was conscious and able to respond they would be able to hear you,” he said.
Searchers are focusing efforts on the McKay Creek drainage off the bottom of The Cut ski area on Grouse.
A drone was used yesterday to fly into some inaccessible areas. An RCMP helicopter is also expected to aid in the search today.
Moore was reported missing Tuesday by a friend who last saw him June 25 when Moore said he intended to go hiking in North Vancouver near Grouse Mountain.
So far crews have received information about one unconfirmed sighting from a trail runner who saw a man possibly matching Moore’s description descending the Simic Trail above Skyline on Grouse Mountain on Sunday around noon.
Moore is described as a Caucasian man with light brown hair and a medium build about 5’9”. He is also known to carry a single walking stick on his hikes.
Police are asking any members of the public who were in the area on Sunday and may have seen Moore to contact them by calling 911.
Original story first published June 29 at 2:42 p.m.
North Shore Resuce, police search for missing hiker by Jane Seyd
North Vancouver RCMP are asking for public assistance as searchers scour the North Shore mountains looking for a hiker who has been missing during a period of extreme heat.
Howard Moore, 74, was reported missing Tuesday by a friend who last saw him June 25. Moore had indicated he intended to go hiking in North Vancouver near Grouse Mountain, said North Vancouver RCMP Sgt. Peter DeVries.
Police located Moore’s vehicle in the parking lot for Grouse Mountain with a note in the window reading, “Gone to Skyline Trail, 27 June.”
North Shore Rescue is searching with both ground teams and a helicopter.
So far crews have received information about one unconfirmed sighting from a trail runner who saw a man possibly matching Moore’s description descending the Simic Trail above Skyline on Grouse Mountain on Sunday around noon.
Search manager Paul Markey said searchers are concentrating resources in that area, as well as checking areas where a hiker might try to access creeks for water.
Markey said based on information he’s received, Moore was in good shape and is knowledgeable about local trails. The heat, however, remains a concern – anyone hiking for a period of time would need to find shelter and water, he said. “It was extremely hot.”
The heat is also a concern for searchers. “We’ve got multiple teams out on the ground,” said Markey. “It’s brutally hot.”
Moore is described as a Caucasian man with light brown hair and a medium build about 5’9”. He is also known to carry a single walking stick on his hikes.
Police are asking any members of the public who were in the area on Sunday and may have seen Moore to contact them by calling 911.
Moore left a note on his vehicle indicated he was heading for the Skyline Trail June 27. By NV RCMP
