18-year-old missing hiker last seen camping at Montana lake has been found, rescuers say
UPDATE: The 18-year-old missing hiker, Nathan Sescilla, has been found days after he was last seen, the Red Lodge Fire Rescue said in an Oct. 11 Facebook update.
The original story is below.
A missing 18-year-old hiker was last seen camping at a Montana lake days ago.
Now rescuers are looking for information about his whereabouts.
Nathan Sescilla was last seen camping Oct. 8 at Broadwater Lake on Lake Fork Trail, Red Lodge Fire Rescue said in an Oct. 10 Facebook post.
Rescuers said he may have trekked to First Rock Lake or gone off-trail.
“If you have seen him or have information on his whereabouts, please contact Carbon County Dispatch at 406-446-1234,” rescuers said in the post.
Sescilla is 6 feet, 1 inch tall, weighs about 150 pounds and was wearing tan or brown clothing, a jacket, cowboy hat and potentially carrying a backpack, rescuers said.
The Broadwater Lake, Lake Fork trail is a 10.5 mile out-and-back hike that takes an average of over four hours to complete, according to AllTrails.
The outdoor app said the hike is challenging and a popular area for fishing and bird-watching.
Red Lodge is about 150 miles southeast of Bozeman.
How to be prepared while hiking
If you’re planning to hike, the National Park Service says there are 10 essentials you should take:
Navigation: Pack a map, compass and a GPS system. Make sure you study your route beforehand and understand how to use the tools.
Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat can help protect your skin and eyes from UV rays.
Insulation: A jacket, hat, gloves, raincoat and thermal underwear can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
Illumination: A flashlight, lantern and headlamp can create light if you get stuck in the dark — and don’t forget to pack extra batteries.
First-aid supplies: It’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand while hiking. Check the expiration date on items before you pack them.
Fire: Matches and a lighter can help start fire to act as an emergency signal in times of need.
Repair kit and tools: Duct tape, a knife, screwdriver and scissors can be helpful if items break during your hike or you need assistance.
Nutrition: You should pack an extra day’s worth of food in case something goes wrong. Park officials recommend having “salty and easy to digest snacks.”
Hydration: You should drink water often and before you feel thirsty if you’re hiking in hot weather. Keeping your body hydrated is “of utmost importance,” park officials said.
Emergency shelter: Packing a tent, space blanket, tarp and bivy can help you be prepared if severe weather breaks out or your plan takes a turn.
This story was originally published October 11, 2023 at 10:48 AM with the headline "18-year-old missing hiker last seen camping at Montana lake has been found, rescuers say."
