The RCMP and Canadian Coast Guard stations were joined by members of the Hesquiaht and Ahousaht First Nations in a search for a man missing from Hot Springs Cove.
According to Cpl. Chris Manseau of the RCMP, Dan Kortes, who is in his 60s, was last seen Saturday, Jan. 4, chopping wood near his cabin in Hot Springs Cove.
Manseau said that it’s his understanding that Kortes had lived in the cove aboard his trawler boat while building a cabin on shore.
On Jan. 5, 2020 friends arrived at the cove in search of Kortes. They searched his cabin and boat but only found Kortes’ dog.
Members of Ahousaht and Hesquiaht conducted shoreline searches along with the RCMP and CCG on Sunday, Jan. 5.
“Dan Kortes was last seen near his cabin in Hot Springs Cove. His boat and his dog were also located near that area,” Cpl. Manseau said.
He went on say that there were plans to bring in West Coast Ground Search and Rescue to continue the search on Monday, Jan. 6, but he didn’t know if they could get to the remote area due to weather conditions. Located about 36 kilometres northwest of Tofino, Hot Springs Cove is accessible only by boat or float plane.
Kortes is described as;
- Caucasian male
- 60 years old
- Slim build
- Grey hair and grey beard
- Usually wears a black toque
- Last seen wearing a dark green sweater and blue jeans
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dan Kortes is urged to contact the Tofino or Ahousaht RCMP at (250) 725-3242.
