Quebec: Man trying to cross U.S. border on foot rescued by RCMP

A man trying to cross through the snowy Quebec forest into the U.S. on foot was rescued on Saturday, the RCMP stated.

The man’s family reportedly called for help early in the morning at 3 am on Saturday after which the RCMP arrived at the last known location of the man to try to trace his steps in order to rescue him.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Tasha Adams stated that a search operation began thereafter and the local provincial police, as well as the U.S. border patrol were notified.

“Our officers were walking in three feet of snow. It was very difficult with the weather,” Adams stated about the search operation.

After about an hour and a half of trekking, The man was found around 800 metres away from the border with Vermont near the Province Hill Cemetery in Mansonville in Quebec.

When the man was found, he was reportedly in ill condition and motionless. He was then rushed to the hospital to receive medical care for hypothermia and frostbite, according to the police. The family of the man had previously stated to the RCMP that he had begun the journey to the U.S. 13 hours prior.

About 45,250 asylum seekers came to Quebec in hopes to cross the border between January and November of last year, according to data released by the federal government.

Less than a month ago, a 44-year-old man was found frozen to death after trying to enter the U.S. border near St-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Quebec, according to the police.