Missing American family wasn't prepared for trip, RCMP say

An American family that was found safe in northern B.C. days after they went missing may have underestimated the size of the province when planning their travels, the RCMPsay.

JeffreyPhanandMichelleLesaca, both 24, and their children aged two and three were found south of DeaseLake on Wednesday days after their car was found abandoned.

The Oregon family had planned to travel to Alaska and camp along the way, DeaseLake RCMP said.

The RCMPsaid the family was unaware of the distance involved and wasn't prepared for the trip.

'Great outcome'

RaganSmith, a manager withStewart Search & Rescue, said the family was taken into the care ofRCMPon Wednesdayand was being assessed by paramedics around 5 p.m. PT.

"I'm quite proud of our volunteers and the work they do," Smith said."It's a great outcome."

Smith said she couldn't say exactly where the family was found, as her team has spotty cell service and hasn't yet returned to base.

Her latest relayed message confirmed the family was with B.C. Ambulance.

The search was launched after the family's car was found abandoned in the DeaseLake area on Monday. It had been left with a note suggesting they'd gone to look for gas to fill the tank on June 10.

Air searchers spotted four people who matched the family's description around 3 p.m. PT on Wednesday. RCMPsaid more resources were sent in to bring them to safety.

Mounties said the family had originally planned to travel to the Philippines and checked into the Portland airport on May 25, but later cancelled the ticket and decided not to board the plane.

Search and rescue workers scouredthe area where the family's vehicle was found, from the air and the ground. The RCMPK9team from Terrace was also brought in to help.

RCMPsaid there's no criminal investigation and that partner agencies are helping the family return home.