The search and rescue mission to find a contracted employee in Yellowstone National Park enters its seventh day Friday.
Austin King, a 22-year-old concessions employee at the park, was reported overdue when he failed to pick up a boat near Yellowstone Lake’s southeast arm on Sept. 20. He was on a planned seven-day backcountry trip to climb Eagle Peak, the highest point in the park in its remote southeastern corner.
Search crews are concentrating their focus around the 11,372-foot mountain. Efforts that began Saturday morning include 96 personnel, two helicopters, a search dog team, ground teams and a drone.
Rescuers discovered King’s camp and personal belongings Saturday evening near Howell Creek. Other searchers report snow and icy conditions with 6-foot drifts.
