Eskasoni RCMP would like to advise that the search for missing man, 79-year-old Camillius Alex, was suspended last evening.
Eskasoni RCMP received a complaint that Alex had not returned home after he was last seen on December 13, 2016 on Mountain Rd. walking towards the community of Eskasoni. Alex is described as being 6-foot-1, approximately 190 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes. When he was last seen, he was wearing a dark coat, hoodie and dark gloves with a walking cane.
Over the last five days, Ground Search & Rescue (GSAR) volunteers from Cape Breton county, Cheticamp, Straits, Pictou, East Hants, and Halifax, along with the Eskasoni fire department and community volunteers, searched the area of Mountain Rd. This area is described as being dense with a significant amount of snow. During the search, temperatures were well below freezing and some areas were too difficult even for the most experienced searchers.
The RCMP helicopter, a GSAR CASARA fixed wing plane, all-terrain vehicles, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP cadaver dog, and UAV were also utilized and provided assistance in the search. Unfortunately, there has been no sign of Mr. Alex.
The Ground Search & Rescue Teams and community volunteers have utilized specialized techniques, methodologies and experience gained from previous searches. After exhausting all efforts, Ground Search & Rescue volunteers completed their tasks last evening and officially concluded at 6:00 p.m. after Alex’s family and Chief Leroy Denny were briefed.
The decision to end any search is extremely difficult to the family. The RCMP wants to extend heartfelt sympathy towards the Alex family, and a sincere thanks to all the volunteers who came out to assist us in this search. The dedication, support and determination put in by all the searchers was overwhelming and commendable.
The RCMP is asking the public and the residents who is hiking or travelling the trails around Eskasoni to please call the RCMP if you come across anything which Mr. Alex would have been carrying such as a walking cane or ball cap, or anything out of the ordinary. No amount of information is too small or insignificant. The Eskasoni RCMP will continue to investigate this matter and will be handled as a missing person case.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Camillius Alex is asked to call the nearest police department or the Eskasoni RCMP at 902-379-2822. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text TIP202 + your message to ‘CRIMES’ (274637) or by secure online tips at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca.
- Source: Media Release