Missing Tlell man found alive after three days in the woods

There was relief across Haida Gwaii after missing Tlell resident Bill Lore was found alive following a three-day search involving hundreds of hours of work by search and rescue crews, emergency responders and volunteers.

Lore was located early July 19 after making his way back to Highway 16 near Gold Creek, where he was spotted by a passing motorist. According to Unified Command, he had become lost in the woods after leaving his van on Thursday, July 16, and was found approximately four kilometres from where the vehicle had been parked.

Lore had been reported missing to the RCMP on July 16.

A Unified Command structure was established at 10 a.m. on July 17, bringing together the Council of the Haida Nation, RCMP and Archipelago Search and Rescue to coordinate the operation. Search efforts initially focused on the area surrounding Lore's parked van before expanding outward over the following days.

The search involved a significant multi-agency response from across Haida Gwaii and northwest British Columbia.

Ground search teams included members of CHN's Haida Nation Resource Department, Haida Guardians, Gwaii Haanas, BC Parks, Archipelago Search and Rescue, Prince Rupert Search and Rescue, Terrace Search and Rescue and Kitimat Search and Rescue.

Police Dog Services and an Archipelago Search and Rescue Rapid Intervention Team conducted the initial searches.

Aerial support was provided by RCMP Air Services, Provincial Emergency Program Air Services, the Old Massett Village Council drone team and the Council of the Haida Nation's Marine Planning Partnership drone team. Planning and management support came from Comox Search and Rescue and Campbell River Search and Rescue.

Throughout the search, Unified Command also credited community members who shared local knowledge and information that helped guide search planning. The operation was requested by the RCMP and authorized through Emergency Management and Climate Readiness BC.

In an update issued Sunday afternoon, Unified Command confirmed Lore had eventually found his way back to the highway after becoming disoriented in the forest.

"The Lore Family asked Unified Command to express their immense gratitude for everyone involved in the search efforts for Bill," the update said.

Unified Command also thanked the many organizations and individuals who assisted over the course of the operation.

"Unified Command is very grateful for all of the help from Haida Gwaii searchers and our neighbours from Northwest BC and beyond. Haawa, Haw'aa, thank you."