A recent development has emerged in the search for a Squamish man who went missing during a solo hiking trip in the Sea-to-Sky region of British Columbia. Stanislav Volo disembarked the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday to hike the Mount Habrich Loop, as per RCMP reports. Numerous volunteers from various search and rescue teams in the Lower Mainland have gathered on the mountain to locate the 43-year-old hiker.
The search operation has utilized drones, helicopters, ground crews, and police dogs. Volo’s sister, Ola Volo, mentioned receiving a crucial clue during the search on Tuesday. She revealed that Volo placed a brief 911 call, indicating he was stranded on the mountain. The call, received at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, was verified by search and rescue teams. Ola confirmed that the family identified Volo’s voice and phone number during the call.
Given the limited cell service in the Mount Habrich Loop area, the family believes the brevity of the call was due to connectivity issues. Ola expressed confidence that Volo is still alive and persevering through the challenging conditions. Volo’s cousin, Yana Geng, highlighted his role as a dedicated father, husband, son, and brother, emphasizing the support from a caring community.
Tyler Duncan, a Squamish Search and Rescue search manager, indicated that they suspect Volo remains within the Habrich loop vicinity due to its complex terrain. Despite the area not being expansive geographically, its intricate landscape presents challenges for search efforts. Weather conditions hampered the search on Wednesday, with operations resuming on Thursday.
Witnesses reported seeing Volo on the Shannon Basin Loop on the day he went missing, a route leading to his intended hiking trail. The Mount Habrich Loop features challenging cliff bands and technical terrain, including popular climbing areas. Duncan mentioned a missed call from Volo to his wife, suggesting Volo may have descended from the ridgeline and lost signal.
Surveillance footage captured Volo exiting the Sea-to-Sky Gondola on Sunday morning, dressed in black attire with a backpack. Squamish RCMP urge anyone with information on Volo’s whereabouts to contact them at 604-892-6100.