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British Columbia

Hypothermic hiker rescued from Howe Sound Crest Trail

Lions Bay Search and Rescue and North Shore Rescue sent teams on a search for a hiker in distress on the Howe Sound Crest trail late last night.

The 20-year-old hiker was found with symptoms of mild hypothermia

James Gayaldo has been rescued after he was lost hiking the Howe Sound Crest Trail on his own. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

A 20-year-old hiker from Oregon is safe after a rescue on the Howe Sound Crest Trail.

Lions Bay Search and Rescue and North Shore Rescue both sent teams on a search for the hiker in distress late last night.

NSR search manager Peter Haigh said a mother from Oregon called police about her 20-year-old son James Gayaldo, who was hiking the Howe Sound Crest Trail on his own.

"The subject had been speaking to his parents saying he was cold and wet, and thinks he needed help," said North ShoreRescueManager Peter Haigh,

Gayaldo, from Beaverton, Oregon, started his hike on Wednesday, with the goal of reaching a hut in Magnesia Meadows.

Oregon hiker found after mother alerted police. (Gian-Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

He says he forgot his rain jacket, and didn't make it to his destination at the rate he was aiming for, when decided to camp out and call for help.

"I kept myself pretty warm," said Gayaldo.

"But just barely... while I was waiting for them to get there."

Search teams found Gayaldo around 3:30 a.m.PT, experiencing symptoms of mild hypothermia.

The team brought warm food and clothing, and brought Gayaldo safely down to the base of Cypress Mountain Ski Area around 7 a.m.PT