A teenaged dirt bike operator who was lost in a wooded area near the Exploits River was safely located during the early morning hours today.
Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP received the report. At approximately 7:30 p.m., the boy, who was traveling alone on his dirt bike, contacted family via his cell phone and indicated that he had ran out of gas and was lost on a woods road near Exploit's River. The boy also indicated that his cell phone battery was low.
Through further investigation, police determined an approximate location of the missing youth and engaged Exploits Search and Rescue (SAR) to assist with a search. At approximately 3:30 a.m., prior to the arrival of SAR, Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP located the youth and his dirt bike on a woods road near Sandy Lake. The youth reported being cold but was otherwise in good health. He was transported out of the wooded area by police and safely reunited with his family.
With increased off-road vehicle use anticipated over the summer months, RCMP NL reminds users to be prepared and wear the gear. It is recommended to travel with extra clothing, food, a communication device and fire making supplies. Additionally, sharing your intended travel plans and expected departure and return times with others is strongly advisable. The use of helmets and seatbelts where available is mandatory for those traveling on all off-road vehicles.