Four specially trained trackers have joined rescuers in their search for 35-year-old Vancouver resident Tyler Wright as footprints were spotted along the rugged, 50-kilometre Boise Trail this week.
Wright began the hike Aug. 10 and didn't return on Aug. 16 when expected. He was carrying four food packs and has access to drinkable water, so could survive for a month if need be, according to Search and Rescue.
On Sunday (Aug. 22), rescuers spotted a distinctive size-16 footprint in mud along the Boise Creek Trail believed to belong to Wright. On Monday (Aug. 23) more footprints were found as well as flattened vegetation in the shape of a person, leading searchers to determine it may have been a bed.
Today footprints were again found, leading trackers from Comox Valley Search and Rescue into Bull Canyon, said Squamish Search and Rescue manager Suzanne Kenney."We found definite signs yesterday and additional signs today of travel," said Kenney.
The footprints approach an area where a hiker could take one of three routes southeast Wright's intended destination of the Coquitlam area, according to an RCMP report issued today. Searchers are still hoping to determine Wright's direction.
Approximately 30 searchers from throughout the Lower Mainland have formed 10 teams to cover the area, including teams out of Coquitlam searching to the north and west of Widgeon Lake.
Trees are so dense helicopters can't land, so rescuers have to jump from a helicopter as it hovers five feet above the ground. Searchers are also using ATVs, tracker dogs and spotters in the air.
The findings have brought hope to the missing man's family and friends.
"Monday brought good weather and searchers found more footprints pointing to Ty's possible route," stated the Missing Tyler Wright blog.
Friend Alan Bedingfield told media Wright's loved ones are optimistic he will be found.
His family is paying for its own helicopter and posting video footage captured from the air on the blog requesting that viewers look closely and report anything they may notice.
To view the footage and for more information, go to missingtylerwright.blogspot.com.
