North Shore Search and Rescue has been asked by police to reactivate the search for a missing British tourist thanks to tips generated by social media, the organization said Saturday.
The request comes after search crews released aerial footage of a recent search near Grouse Mountain in hopes of finding new clues as to where Tom Billings, 22, may have gone.
The man described as an avid hiker by his parents has been missing for more than a month.
“Social media campaign led to informants with possible sighting in Lynn Headwaters area on November 25,” North Shore Rescue wrote in a tweet Saturday.
North Shore Rescue said two trail runners noticed the campaign and came forward with information credible enough to reactivate the search.
Sgt. Randy Fincham confirmed Vancouver police have called on the search and rescue team again.
“As tips are received, the Vancouver police will continue to utilize partnerships with outside agencies, including North Shore Search and Rescue, to ensure that those tips are followed up by experts in the field," he said.
Billings hasn’t been seen since the morning of Nov. 25, when he’s believed to have departed from a home on East Broadway for a hiking trip on the North Shore.
Two weeks later, his father told reporters he’s holding out hope for his son’s survival, but worried the young man is caught on a mountain with an injury that’s preventing him from making his way home.
Anyone with information is asked to call Vancouver police at 604-717-3321.
