Okanagan and Kamloops search and rescue teams join forces to find two missing men in northern BC – BC News

Photo: RCMP

Sam Benastick (left) and James Barnes (right) are the subject of extensive searches in northern BC.

The search for two missing men in northern BC is getting help from rescue organizations in the Thompson-Okanagan.

Members of Central Okanagan Search and Rescue and Kamloops Search and Rescue boarded a charter flight Wednesday morning.

They will join forces to find a young man who was reported missing by his family after he failed to return from a camping trip in Redfern-Keily Provincial Park. The park is located in a remote area northwest of Fort St. John.

Sam Benastick last informed his family of his whereabouts on October 8. He was supposed to have returned on Oct. 17, according to an RCMP news release.

“Benastick is an avid hiker/camper. He had a tarp, a black Osprey backpack with red laces and other camping gear. This is out of character for Benastick and his family is concerned for his well-being,” the press release said.

So far, extensive resources, including the Police Dog Service unit, have been unable to find Benastick.

While in the area, KSAR and COSAR will also assist local crews searching for a missing hunter and his dog.

James Barnes, 28, had gone hunting in his gray 2004 Chevrolet pickup truck with his dog Murphy on Friday, October 18. Barnes and Murphy saw each other that day on a road in the area. The vehicle has since been located, but there was no sign of the man or his canine companion.

COSAR and KSAR are among several BC search and rescue teams working to support local groups in the ongoing mutual aid mission. Four members of Vernon Search and Rescue and volunteers with Shuswap SAR have also been deployed.

Photo: RCMP

Barnes was last seen in his pickup truck with his dog, Murphy.