Search suspended for three climbers missing near Squamish, BC, RCMP say

SQUAMISH, BC — Search and rescue teams in Squamish, BC, have temporarily suspended their efforts to locate three climbers who have been missing for nearly a week.

The break stems from “significant challenges” posed by unstable conditions on Mount Garibaldi, where the trio was last seen on May 31, the RCMP said in a statement.

He said the decision was made to ensure the safety of search and rescue crews.

The families of the missing climbers “requested privacy during this difficult time,” RCMP said, adding that the names of the missing have not been released.

The Mounties said they expected the search effort to resume following the review of two days of drone video footage.

They said the timing would depend on weather conditions and a reassessment of the risks in the area, which rescuers describe as remote with “complex terrain”.

Christy Allan of Squamish Search and Rescue said Monday that the area was “loaded” with clouds and moisture, reducing visibility for rescue personnel.

The RCMP issued a statement the next day, saying poor weather conditions and a high avalanche risk were hampering the search, but clearer skies were forecast.

Crews had a chance to assess the area by air on Wednesday. The effort involved three helicopters, including one equipped with a rescue signal detector.

However, a social media post by Squamish Search and Rescue said low cloud cover hampered the operation.

Thursday’s effort involved helicopters, drones, ground crews and avalanche dogs before the search was called off.

The climbers were reported missing last Friday from Atwell Peak, part of Mount Garibaldi, a popular backcountry area about 70 kilometers north of Vancouver.

Local search and rescue teams shared photos showing aerial views of a steep mountain with bare rock poking out from under the snow.

Mounties have asked members of the public to stay away from the area, saying the terrain is “dangerous and poses a significant risk”.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 6, 2024.

The Canadian Press