Search called off for missing plane, passengers in B.C.

The search for a small aircraft that's been missing for nearly two weeks in the B.C. Interior has been called off.

On Monday, a statementsaid the "full-scale" search for the plane, which had been carrying two people when it disappeared on June 8, has been "reduced."

The Piper Warrior was on its way to Kamloops, B.C. from Lethbridge, Alta. when it was reported missing.

Pilot Alex Simons,and his girlfriend, Sidney Robillard, were last spotted in Cranbrook when they stopped to refuel. The whereabouts of both 21-year-olds are still unknown.

Officials said there won't be any more searching unless there's new evidence that indicates "a stronglikelihoodof survivors."

"The families of the individuals have been informed [of the reduced search]and our thoughts are with them during this extremely difficult time," said the statement from the Canadian Armed Forces.

Rugged terrain and overcast weather complicated the search in its early days. Dozens of military personnel and more than 130 volunteer pilots covered over 37,000 square kilometres in their search.

In total, pilots have spentmore than 570 hours looking for the aircraft.

• Two unaccounted for after aircraft goes missing en route from Lethbridge to Kamloops

Simons had about 60 hours of flight time and hadjust received his private pilot's licence.

Officials said there was no indication the plane was in distress before it vanished, and the aircraft was equipped with an electronic locating device, but search and rescue members haven't picked up a signal.