A search operation began Saturday along the rugged west coast between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert for a 70-year-old man who was attempting to travel the distance by rowboat.
The man was last seen near Aristazabal Island, 140 miles from Port Hardy, on July 11. He has not checked in with his family, said Lt.(N) Paul Pendergast, public affairs officer for the Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre.
A Cormorant helicopter and Buffalo aircraft are searching the rugged coastline and boaters are asked to report any recent sightings of the rowboat to JRCC.
The man is an experienced boater who has done long-distance trips in the past, said Pendergast.
The waters are exposed and can be dangerous, he said.
“You’re exposed to ocean currents and the wind — it can be quite windy there,” he said.
The JRCC can be reached at 1-800-567-5111.
