Missing Fort Macleod couple found alive

FOUND!
Jacob and Anja Oosterwijk

Fort Macleod couple Jacob and Anja Oosterwijk have been found alive

The Oosterwijk's were reported missing on Saturday, April 14, after failing to return home after what what supposed to be a day trip to Fernie.  They have been the subject of a massive search operation since then.

Elk Valley RCMP UPDATE:

The Elk Valley RCMP Detachment have confirmed that overdue/missing travelers Jacob and Anja Oosterwijk of Fort Macleod, AB were located Tuesday afternoon April 17th 2012, in the Bull River Sulphur Creek area.  Jacob Oosterwijk was suffering from a knee injury, however was in general good health as is his wife.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. today, the RCMP in Elk Valley were notified by a local logging trucker of his receiving a radio transmission from a remote area of the Bull River near Sulphur Creek, located between Fernie and Cranbrook BC.  It was confirmed that the radio transmission was from Anja Oosterwijk.  The woman along with her husband had gotten their vehicle stuck in a remote area and had hiked to an area cabin that was equipped with a radio.

Assisted by a narrowed search area, an RCMP Police Service dog located the couples vehicle which then led to an aerial search successful in locating the cabin.    

Local Search and Rescue technicians attended the area and transported the couple out via helicopter.  The couple was to be transported to the Sparwood Medical Facility for assessment and expected to be re-united with family and friends later tonight.

Both the British Columbia and Alberta RCMP would like to thank the public for all the assistance and support shown to the family, as well as the Search and Rescue Teams who worked tirelessly to assist with locating Jacob and Anja Oosterwijk.


Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice:

A Facebook page "Searching for the Oosterwijks" was established and generated a lot of traffic, mostly from well-wishers and people concerned for the safety of the couple.  It was filled with "Praise God" and statements expressing relief as the rumor of their discovery spread.

The RCMP, volunteers, Pincher Creek Search and Rescue, and Elk Valley Search and Rescue are to be commended for their unstinting efforts to find the Oosterwijks.  Hundreds of people helped in the co-ordinated search, so many that by Monday people were being told that no more volunteers were needed.  A central command post was established in Pincher Creek for the operation, RCMP search helicopters were heavily involved in the search, a command post was also established in Nanton, and the search was reported to have been conducted as far north as the Bragg Creek and Kananaskis area.  With a potential area to be searched that stretched from Fort Macleod west to Fernie and, ultimately, as far as a vehicle could take them, the challenge faced by searchers was fairly daunting.

The Fort Macleod Alliance Church is reported to be holding a special "Praise Night" this evening from 7 to 9 pm to celebrate the good news.

updated at 11:12 pm , Tuesday, April 17 with more complete Elk Valley RCMP update (including slight correction to location)