Missing person found following long hike on cold evening

Ice building at Wellington beach on a grey, cold January. John Ferguson file photo

A person reported missing after they hadn’t returned home by dusk was found following a long hike on a cold evening.

Shortly before 6 p.m. Prince Edward OPP received a report of a missing person near Sandbanks Provincial Park who had gone hiking along the trails. With the assistance of Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue and Hastings Quinte Paramedic Services, the person was located shortly before 9:30 p.m. in the area of Wellington Beach.

Officers also received assistance from the East Region Canine Unit, East Region Emergency Response Unit and OPP Aviation Services to during the search mission.

Constable Aaron Miller, PEC OPP Community Safety Officer, notes the individual was located safe and sound and transported to hospital as a precaution.

“The Prince Edward County OPP would like to thank all involved in this search which lead to a successful conclusion.”

He reminds people venturing out for winter activity to plan ahead and remember some of the following tips:
Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will return
Be aware of changing weather conditions
Dress for the weather
Beware of hypothermia
Stay hydrated
Carry a fully-charged cell phone