Man Found Alive After Nine Days Lost in Remote Forest in Canada

In what rescuers are calling a miracle, a 39-year-old Canadian man has been found alive after spending nine days stranded in the wilderness of British Columbia.

Andrew Barber disappeared on July 31 when his truck broke down near McLeese Lake, about 587 km north of Vancouver. According to the BBC, a search helicopter eventually spotted his vehicle on a remote forest road, leading to his rescue.

Barber survived by building a makeshift shelter against a rock using dirt and wood, and writing a large «HELP» message on the stone to attract attention.

«He was nibbling on whatever he could find,» said Staff Sergeant Brad McKinnon of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, noting that Barber even drank dirty pond water to stay hydrated.

Volunteer group Quesnel Search & Rescue, which coordinated ground and aerial searches, confirmed his rescue on Facebook, praising the «countless hours» spent using all available resources and technology.

Barber was taken to hospital for treatment and has since been released. His ordeal, while harrowing, ended with the best possible outcome — survival.

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