A British tourist reported missing to the Vancouver Police Department was likely on his way to a North Shore trailhead when he was last seen more than a week ago.
The department alerted the media to the disappearance of Thomas (Tom) Billings on Tuesday. Since then, tips from the public have allowed police to focus their search.
"We got a couple of tips from the public that we believed were credible and that included an individual that believes they gave Mr. Billings some directions on the North Shore," said Const. Brian Montague, VPD spokesman. "It provided us with a more specific location to search and we called out North Shore Rescue to help."
On Wednesday, NSR volunteers ventured out into the Lynn Headwaters area of the backcountry.
"Unfortunately, he was reported missing just (on Tuesday) but he has not been seen since Nov. 25, which is when it was believed he was planning going for a hike," Montague said. "It appears as though this was the last time he was seen publicly."
Billings is 22 years old, standing about five feet seven inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He has short, dark hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing a black jacket and grey military style pants, according to police. Anyone who has seen him is asked to call police.
The VPD is in contact with Billings' family in the United Kingdom.
