Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue continue to search for missing hiker Sylvia Apps, who was last seen July 11 south on Castlecrag Mountain, and due to return last Sunday at Paradise Meadows on Mount Washington.
Paul Berry, information officer/SAR manager for CVGSAR, said the crew received a report from two reliable witnesses who saw Apps —an experienced hiker and a member of the Comox District Mountaineering Club — around 4 p.m. last Friday and had spotted her blue backpack.
"We located her backpack where they said it was, and everything was there except her walking poles and camera. We are now concentrating on the point where she was last seen," he explained.
Apps, 69, went hiking July 8 at 11 a.m. from Paradise Meadows on Mount Washington. According to Comox Valley RCMP, she was equipped with navigation and safety equipment and has previously made long treks.
She was set to return July 13 at 4 p.m. at her starting point.
Berry said Apps could have put her pack down for a variety of reasons.
"She could have been wanting to go to the final summit and wanted to lighten her load. We know she had summited Castlecrag Mountain on (July) 10th because she signed the register," he added.
He explained they believe she travelled to Mount Frink on July 11.
"She probably left the backpack to do that or left it for a short time to do some photography."
Berry said 34 searchers are concentrating on the area south and southeast of Castlecrag from first to last light, along with dog teams, two helicopters, tracking teams and a rope team.
Police are asking if anyone was in the area and may have come across or spoken to Apps, contact Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321.
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