Search for missing Sea-to-Sky hiker

Squamish RCMP said on September 1 that 43-year-old Stanislav Volo was reported overdue after a hike in the mountains above the Sea to Sky Gondola near Squamish, British Columbia. Police said Volo was last seen getting off the gondola at 11:33 a.m. on August 30 with plans to hike the Mount Habrich Loop and return to the gondola. By Wednesday, the search had entered a fourth day, with ground teams, helicopters and drones working in steep alpine terrain. Search managers said worsening weather had pushed crews to focus on technical high-elevation areas. ### When was Stanislav Volo last seen, and where was he headed? August 30 is the date Squamish RCMP say Volo was last known to be on his planned route. In a news release, police said he got off the Sea to Sky Gondola at 11:33 a.m. and intended to hike the Mount Habrich Loop before returning for a download. RCMP described him as 43 years old, about 5-foot-11, with blond hair in a ponytail, blue eyes, glasses and a medium build. They said he was wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts, white socks and black runners, and carrying a small blue-and-grey backpack with a red long-sleeve shirt inside. Habrich Ridge is the area where crews have concentrated much of the search. Pique Newsmagazine reported that Volo’s planned hike was the ridge route via the Habrich Climber’s access and Al’s Habrich Trail, citing search officials. ### Which agencies are involved in the search? Tuesday’s search included Squamish RCMP, Squamish Search and Rescue and teams from North Shore, Chilliwack, Lions Bay, Pemberton, Whistler, Ridge Meadows and Coquitlam, according to Pique Newsmagazine. (rcmp.ca) The report said a Sea to Sky Gondola crew also joined the operation. Local ground teams were supported by BC RCMP Air Services, including Air 5, and by multiple search-and-rescue drones, the report said. (piquenewsmagazine.com) Lions Bay Search and Rescue said in a separate post that it was deploying drone, mountain rescue and ground search teams to assist Squamish crews. CBC reported that rescue teams were scouring the mountains near Squamish after a man was reported overdue from a weekend hike. ### What changed the search area? A public tip received Monday helped narrow the operation, according to Tyler Duncan, the manager of Squamish Search and Rescue. (piquenewsmagazine.com) Pique reported Duncan said the tip placed Volo in the Shannon Basin on Sunday afternoon and allowed crews to build a more accurate timeline and identify routes to prioritize. The same report said the last sighting was at about 1 p.m. Sunday in the Shannon Basin. (lbsar.com) Wednesday marked the fourth day of the multi-agency search, the report said. Searchers were continuing to work on foot, by air and by drone in the mountainous terrain above the gondola. ### How has weather affected the operation? Cool, cloudy and rainy conditions led teams to focus on technical, high-alpine terrain, according to the update cited by Pique. (piquenewsmagazine.com) The report said rain was expected again in Squamish on Wednesday, citing Environment Canada. CBC said authorities warned of treacherous terrain as the search continued in the Sea-to-Sky backcountry. (piquenewsmagazine.com) That warning came as crews expanded efforts across rugged mountain routes above the gondola. ### What are police asking the public to do? Squamish RCMP asked anyone who may have seen Volo, or items matching those shown in police photos, to contact the detachment at 604-892-6100. (piquenewsmagazine.com) Police said the request applies especially to people who were on Habrich Ridge or nearby trails on the afternoon of August 30. Volo’s family has also appealed for help. Pique reported that his sister, Ola, asked anyone who crossed paths with him or noticed anything during hikes in the area on August 30 to contact police. (cbc.ca) September 2 was the date Pique said the search entered its fourth day, with Squamish RCMP and Squamish Search and Rescue still updating the public as the operation continued. (rcmp.ca) RCMP said further information should be directed to the Squamish detachment, while search teams continued work in the Habrich Ridge and Shannon Basin area. (piquenewsmagazine.com)