BC Interior posted Oct 23, 2024 @ 12:16pm by Cheyanna Lorraine

Kamloops, Okanagan SAR teams join the search for 2 men missing in Northern BC

Search and Rescue members from Kamloops and the Central Okanagan are joining separate searches for two BC men who went missing in Northern BC.

Earlier this morning, Kamloops and Central Okanagan search and rescue teams left on a North Cariboo flight to join the search for Sam Benastick, who went missing on a hiking trip in the Redfern-Keily Park.

Benastick was reported missing on Oct. 19 and police say he last spoke with his family on Oct. 8, the day after beginning his hike.

He was due home on Oct. 17.

The park Benastick was visiting is very remote and located about halfway between Fort Nelson and Fort St. John.

<who> Photo Credit: RCMP </who> Sam Benastick was reported missing on Oct. 19.

KSAR members are also joining the search for a man who went missing with his dog in the Chetwynd area.

James Barnes went grouse hunting with his dog earlier this month but has not returned.

The duo were last seen on Oct. 18 with Barnes’ grey Chevrolet pickup.

Since then, the vehicle has been located but James and his dog Murphy have not been found.

“KSAR and many other BC SAR Teams are working tirelessly to support the local SAR groups in these ongoing mutual aid missions,” said KSAR and COSAR in an update on Wednesday morning.

<who> Photo Credit: RCMP </who> James Barnes was reported missing on Oct. 18.