Joshua McClatchy and the Long Hike

For Virtual Search Analysts, entering a search operation on day seven can be incredibly difficult and frustrating, considering how vulnerable people can become in the wilderness over time. Joshua McClatchy had been missing six days in the Caney Creek Wilderness of Arkansas, decreasing the chances McClatchy would be found alive. Search resources failed to locate him in spite of their efforts. Through the State Search and Rescue Coordinator, John Luther, Virtual Search was called to provide additional analysis in a last effort to locate the missing man. Analysis and direction from Paul Burke compelled the local Sheriff to fly one last helicopter flight with limited fuel to a location provided by Burke. Within minutes of arriving to the area, McClatchy's phone was picked up through the helicopter's forward-looking infra-red system, and searchers were directed to the location where they found McClatchy. 

The story illustrates the effectiveness of the Virtual Search system on long-running search operations and the critical analysis process that supported the viability of the subject and the cause for action.