SEQUIM – A hunter from Port Angeles, was found safe Monday night after getting lost in the fog while hunting near Slab Camp.
Clallam County Sheriff’s officials say 61-year-old Wong Lee managed to contact his family by climbing to higher ground, where he could get cell service and send his location.
Lee had headed out for a day of hunting but lost his way when heavy fog set in. As rain and cold temperatures worsened, he initially tried to follow a stream downhill but found himself blocked by dense undergrowth. Realizing the conditions were getting worse, he decided to climb back uphill to make a call for help. He told his family he’d stay put for the night and attempt to find his way out the next day.
Deputies from Clallam County and Washington State Fish and Wildlife officers searched for hours but couldn’t locate him. Search and Rescue (SAR) teams from both Clallam and Jefferson Counties joined the search.
At about 10:45 Monday night, Jefferson County SAR members found Lee, checked on him, and gave him electrolytes. They then guided him back to the trailhead, where he was cleared to drive home and reunite with his family.
Searchers say Lee’s choice to stay in one spot made it easier for the search teams to locate him, avoiding a night outdoors in near-freezing conditions without shelter.