Dense forest and rough terrain hinder search for missing mountain biker
Posted Jun 3, 2014 06:56:50 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Military, ground search and rescue teams and helicopters are scouring dense forest and rough terrain hoping to find a 30-year-old man who went missing Thursday.
Marty Leger went mountain biking around noon that day and never returned home.
RCMP spokesperson Scott MacRae told News 95.7 they are using all tools available to them for the search.
“We’re looking at anything and every thing that could help us out in this case,” said MacRae. “There was even DNR cameras in the woods that track wildlife from time to time. We reviewed that, that hasn’t showed us anything that points to Mr. Leger.”
MacRae added a search of this length is unusual, but despite difficult conditions those involved remain optimistic.
“Most searches in Nova Scotia, they’re found within 12 hours, so this is definitely unique,” explained MacRae. “To find no sign, whether it’s a bike, or clothing, or Mr. Leger for that matter, it is challenging.
He said search teams are use a step-by-step process to search high probable areas first, then move on from there, however the process is time consuming.
MacRae said military teams are covering off some of the more difficult terrain.
CFB Gagetown’s Lt.-Col. Chris Ayotte told Global Halifax some soldiers are getting hurt in the dense forest and rough terrain of the area.
“The soldiers are finding that challenging,” said Ayotte. “I was talking with somebody earlier who was saying that some of the search dogs even had difficulty moving within that terrain.”
Leger’s family was taken in an RCMP helicopter yesterday to see what the stretch of land looks like.
Corporal Scott MacRae said it’s important they know what the searchers are doing.
“It’s difficult times for them so the RCMP want to make sure they’re included, they have regular updates,” said MacRae.
