Update: Search continues for missing senior, ‘no clues’ found yet: VSAR

Robert Baines, 83, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, was last seen at his residence on Ponderosa Way near Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Coralie Nairn, manager with Vernon Search and Rescue, said Vernon SAR is being assisted on Saturday by SAR teams from neighboring areas including Search and Rescue dog teams.

“At this time we have not located any clues to Mr. Baines whereabouts,” Nairn told Vernon Matters.

Nairn said they have been putting a heavy emphasis on searching the Kal Park area, where Mr. Baines was known to frequent, as well as door to door and property searches of structures within the neighborhood.

“We are continuing to ask residents of the area to look at any camera footage they may have, in efforts to narrow down our search area. This would include Tesla dashcams as they have been a powerful tool in the past. Critical time stamps are 0530 – 1200 on January 2,” Nairn added.

Search teams going door to door, using dogs and combing park in hunt for missing senior
Jan. 5, 2024

Search and Rescue volunteers from Vernon — and many other communities in the Southern Interior — are going door to door Friday in the neighbourhoods near Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, in the ongoing search for missing senior Robert Baines.

The team members, who are wearing identifiable clothing and have provincial ID, are seeking permission to search outbuildings and yards in that part of Coldstream where they believe Mr. Baines may be.

“Statistically, the highest probability of locating a person on this type of search is within a structure. They will seek shelter,” Coralie Nairn, VSAR manager said. “Vernon SAR would like to clear and confirm “where he is not” wherever possible.”

Robert Baines (submitted photo/VSAR/Facebook)

Nairn said they can’t search properties without permission, so people who live in that area who are not at home, but would like to give their permission to search, can forward their address to vsarclues@gmail.com.

“If we do search your property, we will leave a piece of flagging tape with Search & Rescue markings,” Nairn said.

SAR will also be using dogs to search residential areas and Kal Park – along with SAR ground teams.

“Search dogs look for scent – that’s any fresh scent. We acknowledge Kal Park is a busy park, but ask if you do see SAR dog teams working the area, to allow them space,” the SAR manager said.

The 83-year-old Baines, who suffers fro Alzheimer’s, has been missing since leaving his home on Ponderosa Way around 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2.

In addition to Vernon Search and Rescue, RCMP Cpl. Tania Finn tells Vernon Matters, search teams from Kamloops, Shuswap, Nicola Valley, Barrier, Penticton, Revelstoke and the Central Okanagan are also providing assistance.

More search teams arrive to help in hunt for missing senior
6 p.m. Jan. 4, 2023

A search for a missing man with Alzheimer’s in the Coldstream area continues to intensify, with no sign of 83-year-old Robert Baines at last update.

Search and rescue teams from Vernon — and around the B.C. Interior — have travelled to the area to help out with the hunt, which continues to be focused on Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. The park is just a few hundred metres from the missing man’s home on Ponderosa Way.

The volunteer searches say they will continue to look for the missing man until they find him, or are told to stand down.

Mr. Baines has not been seen since leaving his home at around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

RCMP are still asking residents in that area to thoroughly check their properties for any signs of Mr. Baines, such as under porches, inside bushes and in outbuildings.

Search for missing man into third day, Kamloops team joins hunt
Jan. 4, 10 a.m.

RCMP say the search for a missing Coldstream man is into its third day.

“No updates yet this morning but Search and Rescue are out with our officers resuming the search,” Cpl. Tania Finn told Vernon Matters at 10 a.m.

Robert Baines, an 83-year-old who has Alzheimer’s, went missing from his residence on Ponderosa Way in Coldstream at around 6 a.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.

Kamloops Search and Rescue members are joining their colleagues from Vernon Search and Rescue to look for Mr. Baines today.

RCMP and search and rescue members took part in an extensive ground search of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park Wednesday, which is near the missing person’s home, but did not find Mr. Baines.

“We are now asking residents in the area of Ponderosa Way and the red and yellow gate areas of Kalamalka Park to review home security footage if they have it, and thoroughly check their properties for any sings of Mr. Baines,” Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer, said.

No sign of missing man after search of Kal Park
8 p.m. Jan. 3, 2024

A search of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park has failed to turn-up any sign of missing person, 83-year-old Robert Baines.

Mr. Baines, who has Alzheimer’s, went missing from his residence on Ponderosa Way in Coldstream, which is near the park, at approximately 6 a.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.

RCMP say despite all efforts that have been undertaken, including an extensive ground search of Kalamalka Park that included RCMP and Vernon Search and Rescue resources, Mr. Baines has not been located.

“Look under porches, under and inside all bushes, hedges etc., and check any outbuildings such as sheds or garages, as well as boats and recreational vehicles.”

Robert Baines is described as:

83 years old;
5’9″ (175 cm);
200 lbs (90 kg);
Bald;
Brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a green tilly hat, green jacket, grey undershirt, blue jeans and white hiking shoes.

Public asked to check buildings and vehicles for missing man with Alzheimer’s
Jan. 3, 2024 1 p.m.

Vernon Search and Rescue is involved in the hunt for an 83-year-old man who went missing Tuesday morning (Jan. 2) from his home on Ponderosa Way in Coldstream.

RCMP say Robert Baines was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and may appear confused or disoriented if approached.

The missing man’s home is near Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.

RCMP Const. Chris Terleski said, as of 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, Mr. Baines had still not been located.

“Search and Rescue is out at the scene and are requesting the best way the public can assist is to search their properties thoroughly. Inside and unlocked buildings/outbuildings, unlocked vehicles, boats, under shrubs and bushes etc,” Terleski told Vernon Matters.

Any sighting should be immediatly reported to the RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250 545 7171.

Robert Baines, 83, was last seen at his residence on Ponderosa Way in Coldstream early in the morning of Tuesday, January 2, 2024 and has not been heard from since. (submitted photo/RCMP)

Robert Baines is described as:

83 years old;
5’9″ (175 cm);
200 lbs (90 kg);
Bald;
Brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a green tilly hat, green jacket, grey undershirt, blue jeans and white hiking shoes.

Police seek help to find missing man with Alzheimer’s
Jan. 3, 2023 1 a.m.

The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance to help locate a missing person.

Robert Lee Baines, 83, was last seen at his residence on Ponderosa Way in Coldstream early in the morning of Tuesday, January 2, 2024 and has not been heard from since.

He was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and may appear confused or disoriented if approached.

Given his medical condition, police and family are concerned for his wellbeing.

Robert Baines is described as:

83 years old;
5’9″ (175 cm);
200 lbs (90 kg);
Bald;
Brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a green tilly hat, green jacket, grey undershirt, blue jeans, white hiking shoes.

If you have seen or heard from Robert Baines, please contact your local police.

by Pete McIntyre

Update: Search continues for missing senior, ‘no clues’ found yet: VSAR

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