A 39-day ordeal in the rugged wilderness of northeast British Columbia has ended in a miracle, as hiker Sam Benastick was found alive by two workers traveling through the backcountry. Benastick, reported missing on October 19, had been the subject of a month-long search effort that many feared would not have a happy ending.
The two men discovered Benastick on a service road, where he was barely managing to stay upright with the help of two walking sticks. His legs were wrapped in a cut-up sleeping bag for warmth. Despite being in visibly frail condition, he had survived his extended ordeal in harsh conditions.
The Northern Rockies Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed Benastick’s identity and shared the harrowing details of his survival. After his vehicle became unusable, Benastick stayed inside it for several days before embarking on foot. He then camped near a creek by a mountain for 10 to 15 days, eventually moving further down the valley and constructing a makeshift shelter in a dried creek bed.
Police reported that Benastick was finally able to leave the wilderness and reach the service road, where he encountered the two workers who saved him. He was immediately taken to a local hospital, where his identity was verified, and he received medical attention for frostbite and extreme exhaustion.
“Finding Sam alive is the absolute best outcome. After all the time he was missing, it was feared that this would not be the case,” said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson of the BC RCMP Communications.
Benastick’s family, including his parents and brother, had stayed in a nearby inn for over 20 days during the intensive search efforts. The general manager of the Buffalo Inn, Mike Reid, provided the family with meals and emotional support as they waited for news.
Reid, who shared the family’s relief when they were reunited with Benastick, said, “I’ve got three kids and five grandkids, so I know what they were going through.” He described Benastick’s condition when he was found, saying, “He was in pretty bad shape, but he’s alive.”
Benastick’s resilience has left his family and rescuers in awe. His uncle, Al Benastick, described him as an experienced outdoorsman and expressed disbelief at his survival. “Imagine being out there, being that cold, for that long,” he said.
Search efforts for Benastick included multiple rescue teams, the Canadian Rangers, and local volunteers with deep knowledge of the area. The widespread collaboration reflects the community’s determination to bring him home safely.
After being discharged from the hospital, Benastick and his family stopped by the Buffalo Inn to personally thank Reid for his kindness during their stay. “That was an amazing moment for me,” Reid said, reflecting on the miraculous outcome of the rescue.
Sam Benastick’s survival story stands as a testament to human resilience and the unyielding will to endure in even the most challenging conditions. This remarkable tale will undoubtedly inspire many and serve as a reminder of the importance of community support in times of crisis.
Source: Swifteradio.com
