A Cumberland man trapped on a cliffside for 32 hours eventually “bum-skidded” down treacherous terrain, swam across a lake and found a cabin to shelter him until he was rescued.
Murray Naswell, 50, was found safe at noon on Monday, after a helicopter flying over spotted smoke from a bonfire.
An extensive ground and air search was launched when he failed to return to his Strathcona Park campsite after reaching the summit of Mount Albert Edward late on July 3.
“He seemed in pretty good spirits,” said Paul Berry, search commander for the Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue.
Berry said Naswell got stuck in a fog belt and heavy cloud on his way down the mountain.
It’s very easy in the high alpine for the fog to be so thick that climbers can’t see the route or marked signs and lose their way, he said, adding Naswell had to stay put. “He was really very lucky to survive 32 hours on [a cliffside].”
Naswell was found in one of two private cabins on an island on Moat Lake. The cabin was stocked with supplies. “He dined out on Kraft Dinner this morning,” said Berry.
Naswell’s large family, including his mother, two grown daughters, six sisters and five brothers, are all relieved to hear the news, said sister-in-law Angela Naswell. “We thank the searchers for the incredible amount of work and time they put into finding Murray. We just appreciate it so much.”
About 120 searchers, three helicopters and four dogs searched for Naswell on Monday.
Every search-and-rescue team on Vancouver Island and teams from Pemberton to Chilliwack were asked to help, said Berry, noting searchers signed on knowing they might be in the bush 24 to 36 hours, hiking in, searching and hiking out. The last searchers hiked out at 5 p.m. on Monday.
“Thank you for everyone who has shared posts and helped out in trying to get my uncle home safe,” posted Marcus Naswell on social media.
Murray Naswell entered Strathcona Park on Tuesday and camped at Kwai Lake. On Wednesday, he began an ascent of Mount Albert Edward with a couple who had also camped at the lake.
Searchers knew he reached the summit because he left a note and registered, saying he was there at 5:15 p.m. on July 3, said Berry.
The register is in a waterproof container inside a rock cairn. People can sign in and leave a note. However, Naswell also left some identification, which was unusual and concerned searchers — “very much so,” said Berry.
When Naswell did not return to his campsite Wednesday night or Thursday morning, the couple he hiked with became concerned and spoke to the park contractor.
The contractor contacted RCMP, triggering the search.
“It was very worrisome finding out he hadn’t made it back to his camp,” said Angela Naswell. Naswell’s vehicle was found at Raven Lodge, the Nordic centre at Mount Washington. His tent, sleeping bag and much of his equipment were found at Kwai Lake.
Searchers used statistical analysis of where lost persons might be, Berry said. The island on the lake in the park was farther down the list of potential locations and priorities, but given the number of resources on hand Monday, the island was searched earlier than it might have been, said Berry.
Naswell was taken by B.C. Ambulance to hospital.
“I think this is just a prime example of the strength and capability of search and rescue in B.C.,” said Berry. “We’re 2,500 highly motivated, well-trained volunteers who come together to make this kind of thing possible.”
— With files from Louise Dickson
