Sault police credit app for helping find missing hiker
When technology works as designed, it can be helpful and police in Sault Ste. Marie say the free What 3 Words app helped save a missing hiker on the weekend.
Police said they received an emergency call around 5 p.m. on Sunday from a hiker who was lost on the Voyageur Trail, north of Sixth Line.
Dispatchers with 911 were able to pinpoint the person's exact location using the information provided by the app, which divides the world into three-metre squares that each have a unique combination of three words.
"The hiker was told to maintain their position and wait for officers," police said in a news release Tuesday morning.
"Two members of the emergency services unit attended the area using All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and were able to quickly locate the lost hiker and return them safely."
While northern Ontario is ripe with wilderness to explore, police remind adventurers to stay on marked and approved trails, stick to trails according to skill level and make sure to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
"Have a cell phone with you and ensure it is charged so you can call for help if you happen to get lost," police said.
The app will still work even if you are offline.
"Without phone signal, the app functions the same as when you have no data connection: you can view the location of any what3words address you enter. You can also navigate to it using compass mode," the app's website says.
"To share a what3words address over the phone or in a text message you need phone signal. To load maps, or share in other apps or social media, you need a data connection."
More on how it works here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.