A teenage girl from British Columbia has been found ‘alive and well’ after being alone for nearly three days in the Canadian wilderness when she got separated from her hiking group.
Esther Wang, 16, was on an organized youth outing on the East Canyon Trail to Steve’s Lookout at Golden Ears Park – one of the largest parks in British Columbia – with three peers on Tuesday around 2:45pm when she lost her way – fifteen minutes into the hike.
The group was making their way to their campsite when they discovered Wang was missing. After trying to find her on their own they contacted police and a park ranger for help.
Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue was deployed and searched the 62,000-plus acre forest dotted with mountainous and vast terrain and thick vegetation.
Wang slept on a log and survived on food she had rationed before she eventually figured out her way out of the park. On Thursday night, around 9pm, she was miraculously reunited with her parents.
Esther Wang, 16, was on a youth group outing at Golden Ears Park, one of the largest parks in British Columbia on Tuesday, when she suddenly lost her way, fifteen minutes into their hike.
Since Tuesday, search crews were out using helicopter, drones, police dogs and thermal imaging looking for the teen. There were also dozens of volunteers assisting
A stunning view of Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia. The park has more than 62,000 acres dotted with mountainous terrain and thick and lush vegetatiion
Wang was fatigued and was covered in bug bites, but suffered no other injuries. She was taken to the the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Since Tuesday, search crews were out looking for the teen using helicopters, drones, police dogs and thermal imaging. There were also dozens of volunteers assisting.
Ryan Smith, a team manager with the Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue (RMSR), told TrendyDigest that the ‘area is used for recreational hiking.’
‘Areas off the hiking trails can be treacherous with steep terrain and thick vegetation,’ Smith said.
The park is also home to wildlife such as bears, cougars and deer, which can pose a threat to visitors who are not prepared or aware of their surroundings.
Smith said: ‘She walked out of the trail by herself.’
Supt. Wendy Mehat with Ridge Meadows RCMP told media on Friday morning that Wang was ‘healthy, happy and with her family,’ Global News Canada reported.
‘That’s the best possible outcome,’ she said.
It is unclear how Wang got lost initially.
Search and rescue crews from the Ridge Meadows Search and Rescue were searching for the teen hiker
East Canyon Trail is the location where 16-year-old Wang lost her peers during a hike on Tuesday
After news that Wang was located and safe the 746 Lightning Hawk Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron posted a message to Facebook on Thursday evening.
‘Hello 746 Family,’ Commanding Officer Major Brian Wong wrote.
‘Our prayers were answered!!!!! I am happy to share this good news with the 746 Family!!! Cadet Esther Wang was found!!
Wang, who is from Langley, British Columbia and a student at Walnut Grove Secondary school is described as a ‘talented volleyball player’ and a ‘sweet’ and ‘nice’ person.
A friend said: ‘She is always smiling and making other people smile.’
Ridge Meadows RCMP offers the following tips for hikers
Inform a friend or family member of where you will be hiking; stay with the group; carry adequate supplies and wear appropriate clothing and footwear, as per Trendy Digest.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk