The search continues today for a 59-year-old woman believed to be missing in East Sooke Regional Park, with an estimated 50 volunteers from several Island communities involved.
Nothing had turned up by early afternoon, said Sooke RCMP Staff Sgt. Steve Wright.
The search started late Thursday night after the woman’s husband discovered her car in the Aylard Farm parking lot of the rugged regional park, said Wright. Her cellphone and purse were left in the vehicle.
The husband last saw his wife around lunch time on Thursday and he knew she’d be going for a walk but expected her home around dinner time.
By 11 p.m. Thursday, Juan de Fuca search and rescue volunteers were on the ground and searched into the night. That night, there was heavy rain and strong winds, and the temperatures dropped to near freezing, Wright said.
On Friday, dozens more search and rescue volunteers arrived from Nanaimo, Cowichan Valley, Saltspring Island and Port Alberni. They covered a three-kilometre radius from the parking lot, Wright said.
An RCMP helicopter searched from the air and a Royal Canadian Marine search and rescue boat scoured the water and shoreline.
“The family was very overwhelmed by the sheer volume of volunteers,” Wright said.
RCMP did not release the woman’s name but did provide a photo in case anyone has spotted her.
The search hit close to home for Juan de Fuca search and rescue volunteers, many of whom know the woman, who spent more than 10 years acting as a volunteer with the search agency.
“She is in good shape and she does know the park very well,” Wright said.
Her adult son and daughter were at the park Friday, eager for any news about their mother.
“They’re worried and distraught and our hearts go out to them,” Wright said.
Wright said it was too dangerous to continue the search on Friday night. “Plus the search crews are tired. It will be much more effective if they get some rest and start fresh in the morning.”
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