Since 6:00 a.m. this morning, emergency services together with volunteers, the Coast Guard and the Marines have continued the search for Mr. Hassell. The operation has involved the use of boats, drones (including those with infrared capability), and extensive ground searches.
Teams have covered multiple trails repeatedly, including Sulphur Mine, All Too Far, North Coast, a portion of Elfin Forest, and Sandy Cruz, with around 50 people actively involved. The area from the Sulphur Mine trailhead to the North Coast trail has been thoroughly searched.
The search is still ongoing, and we are taking every possible measure to locate Mr. Hassell. We are currently working to bring trained search dogs to the island to assist.
Important Notice to the Public:
To give the search dogs and our technology the best chance of success, we urgently request that no one go onto the trails until at least tomorrow morning. Human scent and trail activity can interfere with the dogs’ ability to work effectively.
We deeply appreciate the community’s concern and willingness to help, but at this stage, staying off the trails is the best way you can support the search effort.
We will continue to keep you informed as the situation develops.
