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.”

A crew from Shelter Cove Fire has been using their six wheeled ATV to search. [Photo from Shelter Cove Fire taken the first day]

The texts from the missing man had apparently been sent Monday but had been delayed in reaching their intended recipient. But, once the terse messages for help were received, crews immediately kicked into action. On the first night, a Shelter Cove team in their six wheel ATV found an empty backpack later identified as belonging to the missing man and packs of ready to eat meals not far from where his texts indicated he was last located.
 [Photo from Shelter Cove Fire taken the first day]

Searchers gathering at Shelter Cove. [Photo from Shelter Cove Fire]

Yesterday, a dry bag containing his hiking permit was found farther north at Big Flat. Two members of Southern Humboldt County Technical Rescue and a Humboldt County deputy spent the night there and began searching again this morning.
This morning, Aurora and Shawn Studebaker, local business owners, and crew members of Southern Humboldt County Technical Rescue awoke at Big Flat where they spent the night after searching since the first day. They'll be searching again today.

This morning, Aurora and Shawn Studebaker, local business owners, and crew members of Southern Humboldt County Technical Rescue awoke at Big Flat where they spent the night after searching since the first day. They’ll be searching again today. A Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputy is with them.

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.

 [Photo from Shelter Cove Fire ]

Shelter Cove Fire’s boat getting ready for the search. [Photo from Shelter Cove Fire ]

“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.
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31 Comments
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Eric Cherry
Guest
Eric Cherry
5 years ago

I f Diana is on the job they will find him. There is nobody better!

Sharon Grose
Guest
Sharon Grose
5 years ago
Reply to  Eric Cherry

Encouraging words.

Y Knot?
Guest
Y Knot?
5 years ago

There is a large number of people looking for this guy.

People giving their time to find him shows how nice they are.

Willie Caso-Mayhem
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Y Knot?

Alot of good people.

Sharon Grose
Guest
Sharon Grose
5 years ago
Reply to  Y Knot?

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.

onlooker
Guest
onlooker
5 years ago
Reply to  Sharon Grose

Just want to reply that there are so many of us who live here who are hoping that he is found safe and soon.

Sharon Grose
Guest
Sharon Grose
5 years ago
Reply to  Y Knot?

The family is so appreciative and thankful for everything everyone is doing to assist in searching for my nephew in California.

HOJ in Training
Guest
HOJ in Training
5 years ago

Shelter Cove Fire sure has some nice toys!

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
5 years ago

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.

Charlie M
Guest
Charlie M
5 years ago

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.

B'anna
Guest
B'anna
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie M

I Agree!

Geoffrey davis
Guest
Geoffrey davis
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie M

Hear, here!

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago

Helicopters up. Good to hear.

Liz
Guest
Liz
5 years ago
Reply to  Central HumCo

Lost Coast reported they used a Coast Guard helicopter on Thursday.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Liz

Thank you Liz.

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
5 years ago
Reply to  Liz

Yeah, and the Coast Guard chopper and crew un-funded and unpaid, courtesy of Dear Supreme Leader. Make America GrAte Again.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago

taxpayer already explained they are getting paid.

Lead yourself.

~more prayers

Sharon Grose
Guest
Sharon Grose
5 years ago

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 )

Guest Jones
Guest
Guest Jones
5 years ago

Good job Humco! Keep wasting those tax dollars on non citizens!

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

It’s OK, another plank in the Republican Platform, 2020. Am I too mean? Sorry.

Jen
Guest
Jen
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

You are racist trash

colleen mackey
Guest
colleen mackey
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest Jones

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!!!

TQM
Guest
TQM
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest Jones

nasty troll

Fingers crossed...
Guest
Fingers crossed...
5 years ago

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!

Fromthehills
Guest
Fromthehills
5 years ago

Wish I could ride my ATV in that area. But oh wait it ruins the ecosystem……

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago

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.

Jaekelopterus
Guest
Jaekelopterus
5 years ago
Reply to  shak

Too windy for a helicopter, DEFINATELY too windy for a drone.

Deb
Guest
Deb
5 years ago

Thank you to everyone who has helped to look for Rick and to those who continue to search.