RCMP and search teams on the ground and in the air are looking for a 73-year-old Nanaimo woman who did not return from an afternoon of mushroom picking on Sunday.
A friend told police that Bertha Hanson left home at around noon on Sunday, driving her blue 2014 Silverado. The friend contacted Nanaimo RCMP Monday morning when she realized Hanson had not returned.
Hanson’s vehicle has been found near the intersection of Timberlands Road and Ninatti Road, approximately five kilometres west of the Nanaimo Airport.
Ladysmith RCMP, search and rescue volunteers, a canine team and an RCMP helicopter are searching the area.
Police do not have a description of Hanson’s clothing, but have released a recent photo of the senior. Hanson often takes her camera mushroom picking and carries it in a red Molson Canadian cooler bag. She has no known medical conditions, but is likely not dressed for an extended stay outdoors, police said.
Anyone who sees Hanson should call 911 immediately.
