Hiker Found Safe After Spending Three Days Stranded on B.C. Cliffside
COMOX — A 25-year-old hiker who had been missing since Monday on Vancouver Island has been found alive after spending three days stranded on a steep cliffside.
Comox Valley Search and Rescue confirmed that Keshav Jindal was located in the Mount Albert Edward area of Strathcona Provincial Park on Thursday.
Jindal had been hiking with his partner on the Mount Albert Edward Summit Trail, a roughly 32-kilometre round-trip backcountry route known for challenging and steep terrain.
Hiker Became Separated From Partner
Paul Berry, manager of Comox Valley Search and Rescue, said Jindal and his partner began their hike on Monday morning.
After reaching the alpine area, Jindal decided to stay behind while his partner continued toward the summit. The two later became separated Monday afternoon in the Paradise Meadows and Mount Albert Edward region.
Mount Albert Edward is more than 2,000 metres high and is the sixth-highest peak on Vancouver Island.
Wrong Turn Led to Dangerous Terrain
According to Berry, Jindal attempted to descend toward a nearby lake but mistakenly headed toward the wrong one.
The route took him into extremely steep, heavily wooded terrain where conditions can quickly become dangerous for hikers attempting shortcuts.
Berry said Jindal suffered a serious fall, sustained significant injuries and eventually became trapped on a ledge.
He remained stranded in the steep terrain for several days before rescuers were able to locate him.
RCMP Helicopter Spotted Missing Hiker
Jindal’s disappearance prompted a major search effort and also led the RCMP to issue a missing-person notice.
On Thursday, an RCMP helicopter searching the area spotted Jindal waving from the terrain below. The aircraft then turned back, allowing rescue crews to organize his extraction.
A medical rescue team using a hoist-equipped helicopter brought Jindal to safety. He was later transferred into the care of B.C. Emergency Health Services and critical-care paramedics.
Dehydration and Hypothermia Among Possible Concerns
Berry did not provide specific details about Jindal’s medical condition.
However, he said dehydration and hypothermia would be expected concerns after the hiker spent several days stranded on the cliffside with limited food and exposure to changing outdoor conditions.
Seven Rescue Teams Took Part in Search
Volunteers from seven search-and-rescue teams across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland participated in the operation.
The coordinated search ultimately ended successfully when Jindal was found alive after three days in difficult backcountry terrain.
The search for 25-year-old Keshav Jindal ended successfully after crews located him alive in Strathcona Provincial Park. His rescue highlights the risks of navigating unfamiliar backcountry terrain, particularly on steep and challenging routes such as the Mount Albert Edward Summit Trail.
