Covelo Search

On August 3, 2011, BAMRU was paged to respond to a missing man in the Mendocino National Forest in Trinity County. The search base was the Covelo Forest Service Station with the command post located several hours into the forest via fire roads. The search had been continued via the involvement of Napa Search and Rescue, Marin Search and Rescue, CARDA, and the Mendocino, Trinity, and Humboldt County Sheriff's Offices.

BAMRU members transported to the Forest Service station late August 3 and caught a few hours of sleep before being transported to the CP. Nothing significant was found during the Thursday search operations. The search continued on Friday, and was concluded with the subject not found at the end of Friday.

The search area was vast and remote. The 3 hour drive to Covelo was easy compared to the 2 1/2 hour off road adventure required to reach the search base. It is often hard to appreciate just how rugged and remote some parts of California are. A relevant book is Ishi - In Two Worlds, which tells the story of a Native American who emerged from the stone age into the modern world in 1911.

Our condolences go out to the subject's family and friends. Thanks to the BAMRU members who participated in the search.

Update: Aug 13 According to Mendocino County Sheriff's Department, the missing man, Martin Dyer was located alive in the Hoxie Crossing area. More information at the Sacramento Bee