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Short hike becomes long night

A short hike while waiting for a ferry sailing turned into a rescue operation in Horseshoe Bay Tuesday night. West Vancouver Police were called shortly after 9 p.m. Aug. 27 by a man reporting he was stuck on a steep cliff overlooking Horseshoe Bay.

A short hike while waiting for a ferry sailing turned into a rescue operation in Horseshoe Bay Tuesday night.

West Vancouver Police were called shortly after 9 p.m. Aug. 27 by a man reporting he was stuck on a steep cliff overlooking Horseshoe Bay.

"The 21-year-old resident of Gibsons had hiked to a viewpoint area while waiting for a ferry departure and despite the relatively short distance involved, had become lost attempting to hike back as darkness fell," said West Vancouver Police Const. Jeff Palmer in a news release. "West Vancouver Police attended and were able to establish voice contact, but determined the terrain was too step to safely walk the male out."

Palmer said West Vancouver Fire and Rescue crews attended and completed a rope rescue just before midnight.The incident highlights important basic advice from our partners at North Shore Rescue.

"Even a short hike can become hazardous if you are unfamiliar with the area you are hiking in," added Palmer. "Additionally, hikers should either carry proper equipment, or ensure there is enough time to complete a hike in daylight to avoid getting lost."

Information on hiking and outdoor safety is available at www.northshorerescue.com.