Missing Ontario hikers found alive in B.C. after 7 days

Two Ontario hikers who had been missing in B.C. for nearly a week, have been found alivein theCathedral Lakes area west ofKeremeos, B.C.

LynneCarmodyand RickMoynanwalked to Cathedral Lake Lodge Sunday afternoon, just as crews were informing family members the search would be called off soon.

"Ihad just finished having aconversationwith thefamilyabout suspending the search," said Comox Valley Search and Rescue Manager Paul Barry.

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Barry said crews had taken family members up to the mountain where the pair went missing, to let them say their last goodbyebefore the search was to be called off.

That's when it "came over the radiothat the team we sent to do one last sweep of the lodge ... that there they were.

"The words were 'subjects located ... alive'."

Barry said everyone from the park warden to search managers and family members were overcome with emotion.

"It's absolutely amazing," said Jeff Smedley of Prince George Search and Rescue.

"Sevendays in the bushthey are alive and well and able to walk."

Smedley said the pair encountered some weather issues they weren't prepared forduring a dayhike on Monday June 22, eventually leaving their intended route.

With minimal survival gear,no means to start a fire or even signal for help,Carmody and Moynanbuilt themselves a shelter in a bush area.

Smedleysaid the pair had moved around, which created challenges for search crews.

The hikers were taken to hospital Sunday afternoon to be treated for dehydration.