Two hikers lost in Lewis Hills, rescued safe and sound; Bay St. George RCMP thanks search and rescue volunteers

August 7, 2020
Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador

News release

Two hikers, a 65-year-old man and a 39-year-old-woman, were rescued safe and sound after becoming lost in the Lewis Hills, near Fox Island River.

On August 5, 2020, at approximately 11:55 a.m., police received a report from the hiker's designated contact person stating they were missing after failing to show up at the designated check-in point. The Stephenville, Kippens and Port Au Port Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) were called to assist and quickly mobilized volunteer searchers who worked together with the hiker's contact person to obtain additional knowledge of the trail. GSAR left the area of Cold Brook on all-terrain-vehicles and traveled almost 29 kilometers before continuing the search on foot for another five hours over very difficult and challenging terrain.

GSAR located both hikers, safe and sound, at approximately 6:00 p.m., and returned to the Search and Rescue command post later that evening. The man was sent to the hospital in Stephenville for medical assessment.

Police wish to remind hikers the importance of having a contact person who knows their intended route and return plans.

Bay St. George RCMP thanks the volunteers of the Stephenville, Kippens and Port Au Port Ground Search and Rescue for their exceptional efforts under the very demanding conditions of the search.

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Contact information

Bay St. George RCMP
709-643-2118

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