Search for man missing on solo rowing journey from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy

VANCOUVER – Rescue aircraft are back in the skies as another day of searching begins for a man last seen in a small rowboat off northern Vancouver Island.

A military Cormorant helicopter and a Buffalo rescue airplane have resumed the search grid about 225 kilometres north of Port Hardy, B.C.

They’re looking for a man, who’s over 70, who was attempting to row solo from Prince Rupert to Port Hardy.

The man has not been heard from since July 11 when he left Aristazabal (air-iss-TAZA’-bull) Island, along the B.C. coast east of the most southerly tip of Haida Gwaii.

In addition to the helicopter and search plane, a Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre official says two coast guard vessels are also at the scene.

The search began Saturday and boaters in the area who may have seen the solo rower since July 11 are urged to contact local RCMP or the Rescue Co-ordination Centre.