No Stone Being Left Unturned as Search Teams Look for Missing Hiker In Difficult Conditions
Since Wednesday night when authorities learned Canadian hiker, Rick Eastep, had texted for help, teams of experienced searchers have been scouring the area looking for the 33-year-old man who is still missing.
“[W]e have utilized a lot of specialized rescue equipment and specialized search and rescue personnel,” explained Cheryl Antony of Shelter Cove Fire this morning. “Some of the equipment has been helicopters with infrared capabilities, ocean rescue boat, and multiple ATVs. We have had search and rescue dogs available. We have been in contact with the national weather service for updates on tides and weather…We continue to use everything possible to locate this missing person.”
Most of the searchers are volunteers for these specialized teams. Many spend their spare time training and raising money for the sturdy equipment needed. Some of them have been on the search since the first team headed out to look for Eastep. They’ve camped in the remote locations and hiked the rugged coastline when waves slapped over the trail.
“It’s hard to explain how difficult it is to conduct a search and rescue in the lost coast,” stated Diana Totten, Incident Commander in unified command with Shelter Cove Fire and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department. She is also a member of Southern Humboldt Technical Rescue. “We have had high winds, tides, rain and darkness in some of the most rugged coastline in the state,” she pointed out this morning.Sneaker waves are expected along the coast tomorrow.
UPDATE: Search Suspended for Missing Canadian Hiker
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I f Diana is on the job they will find him. There is nobody better!
Encouraging words.
There is a large number of people looking for this guy.
People giving their time to find him shows how nice they are.
Alot of good people.
We are so thankful for all of the volunteers, local business owners, fire & sheriff department, & Search and Rescue staff working around the clock searching for my nephew Rick Eastep in challenging weather conditions- high winds, tides and rains.
Just want to reply that there are so many of us who live here who are hoping that he is found safe and soon.
The family is so appreciative and thankful for everything everyone is doing to assist in searching for my nephew in California.
Shelter Cove Fire sure has some nice toys!
You want them to have bad equipment for firefighting and lifesaving? And your point is . . . . .? Toys!? You actually said “toys.”
Geez, Kim, is it just me or is everybody nuts? I mean, wow.
These are the types of stories that should be made into a series for Netflix……. because these are the real people of humboldt/Mendocino counties.
I Agree!
Hear, here!
Helicopters up. Good to hear.
Lost Coast reported they used a Coast Guard helicopter on Thursday.
Thank you Liz.
Yeah, and the Coast Guard chopper and crew un-funded and unpaid, courtesy of Dear Supreme Leader. Make America GrAte Again.
taxpayer already explained they are getting paid.
Lead yourself.
~more prayers
Rick’s parents, Sandra and Steve and his entire family are so thankful for everything everyone is doing to assist with the search/rescue of Rick Eastep. Diana is in contact with them sending updates back to Canada every 4 hours. Words cannot fully express their gratitude . Keeping everyone in our prayers. (Rick’s Aunt Sharon )
Good job Humco! Keep wasting those tax dollars on non citizens!
It’s okay, he’s white… (That is bitter sarcasm just in case that wasn’t clear. Heaven forbid, we act like the Good Samaritan.)
It’s OK, another plank in the Republican Platform, 2020. Am I too mean? Sorry.
You are racist trash
I do think you missed the part about sarcasm…
Right! Because if you or a family member were visiting Canada and needed help nobody would help you because you aren’t a citizen? Good God man you are a complete jerk!!!
nasty troll
We’re hoping for the best sharon! Youve got the best folks helping out.
Am immensely proud of and humbled by our absolutely incredible volunteers searchers and all who have devoted themselves to finding this man, to not giving up.
It would be great for netflix to do a show on this part of our community instead,&show how these groups were developed&what you can do when you truly invest in members of your community.
The response level here is as good or better than “wealthier” counties in our state. I cannot thank these volunteers enough, i feel safe living here because of you! That type of security cannot be measured monetarily.
I love that they help anyone in need, local or not. Hope he is found safe soon!
Well said. And true.
Wish I could ride my ATV in that area. But oh wait it ruins the ecosystem……
I wish we could outfit Diane and the never tiring crews with drones that have thermal imaging. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYMEQXiqsow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG3knWm-Icw
They’re even helpful in fighting fires.
My heart goes out to the man and his loved ones.
Too windy for a helicopter, DEFINATELY too windy for a drone.
Thank you to everyone who has helped to look for Rick and to those who continue to search.