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Missing hiker found safe after using blue tarp for shelter

North Shore Rescue (NSR) launched a search operation on Saturday evening after the hiker was reported missing.

The search was reportedly carried out under challenging weather conditions. (Photo: North Shore Rescue/ Facebook)

A hiker who went missing in the North Shore mountains was found safe on Sunday afternoon, after spending a night outdoors near Norvan Falls. Rescuers credited a large blue tarp for helping the hiker survive the night and aiding in their location from the air.

North Shore Rescue (NSR) launched a search operation on Saturday evening after the hiker was reported missing. The rescue team included three thermal drone pilots and swift-water rescue specialists.

The effort continued into Sunday morning, with helicopters deployed despite worsening weather conditions. Heavy rain and strong winds were reported in the area, with up to 120 millimetres of rainfall expected, as reported by Vancouver Sun.

How the bright-coloured gear helped

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By early Sunday afternoon, NSR confirmed that the hiker had been located near Norvan Falls, northeast of Grouse Mountain. The individual was described as “cold and wet, but uninjured.”

“They were very lucky to find a large blue tarp to use as shelter overnight, which also assisted in locating them from the air,” NSR said. “A great example of why wearing bright colours in the backcountry can potentially save your life.”

The search was reportedly carried out under challenging conditions, with a rainfall warning and high streamflow advisory in effect for the region at the time. NSR thanked additional teams and agencies involved in the search.

(With inputs from CTV News and Vancouver Sun)

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