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Vernon Search and Rescue Volunteers Called to Monashee Mountain Area Four Times in Matter of Weeks
VSAR used a thermal drone and a helicopter to find the hikers, who were wet, tired and cold after a communication mixup with family.
On Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, Vernon Search and Rescue conducted an overnight operation to assist a pair of hikers in the Monashee Mountains after they were reported overdue.
Concerned family members contacted 911 when the hikers failed to check in as scheduled; VSAR noted the pair intended to camp but were unprepared for rain and cold temperatures at higher elevations.
Rescuers deployed a drone with a thermal camera to track the hikers, eventually locating them near Monashee Lake; VSAR thanked Graham Helicopters and its 13 members for facilitating the safe, daylight extraction.
The incident stemmed from a communication mix-up, as the hikers had intended to spend the night; despite the confusion, officials emphasized that sharing parking coordinates significantly aided the successful search effort.
Sunday's rescue marked the fourth time volunteers responded to the Monashee Mountains area in the last month, with two calls for injuries and two cases of overdue hikers.