OPP Search & Rescue Team Locate 81 Year Old Man Safe & Sound
MELDRUM BAY – On Thursday November 13, 2014 at 5:19 pm The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Manitoulin Detachment was notified by family members that their 81 year old father had gone bow hunting earlier in the afternoon and he failed to return home. The area he was hunting in was located off Highway 540 in Dawson Township near Meldrum Bay.
Members of the OPP Emergency Response Team and the OPP Canine Unit attended the area and commenced the search for this gentleman. His tree stand was located with his backpack covered in snow. Officers continued throughout the night to search for the man.
At around 5:30 am on Friday November 14, 2014 officers located the man in a sheltered tree area in good condition. Officers learned the gentleman left his tree stand to survey the property and became disoriented in a snow squall. He was an experienced outdoorsman, and was dressed for the weather with insulated thermal wear, together with a warm hat, gloves and waterproof boots. When the gentleman got lost he obtained shelter and stayed put. He did not require any medical attention.
“So many times these searches end in tragedy” advised Staff Sergeant Kevin Webb Detachment Commander of the Manitoulin OPP. “In this incident the hunter took responsibility to let family know where he was and when he would be home. He was properly dressed for weather and he knew enough to obtain shelter and stay in one place so he could be found. These are simple rules that adverted a real tragedy.” Added Staff Sergeant Webb
