UPDATE JULY 15TH: The two teens have been found by the Canine Unit and they are safe.
KAWARTHA’S-THE OPP and volunteers are continuing to search for two missing teenagers in the western section of Algonquin Provincial Park.
Police say 16 year old Marta Malek and Maya Mirota from the Kitchener, Ontario area were reported missing at approximately 10:00 p.m. on July 12, 2019. They were last seen on July 11, 2019 on the Western Uplands Trail, between Rainbow Lake and Susan Lake. They had been part of a group camping in the park and both are experienced campers according to police. They had a tent, other equipment and limited supplies.
An air and ground searched commenced at sun-up on July 13, 2019. An OPP helicopter and a fixed-wing plane from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MNRF) continue to assist in the search. Members of the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), OPP Canine, officers from several detachments, MNRF Park Wardens and other park staff are scouring the area on the ground. Members of the Ontario Search and Rescue Association (OSARVA) are also assisting in the ground search. Police say these individuals have specialized training for this type of scenario.
Maya MIROTA is described as about five feet tall, thin with long auburn hair. Marta MALEK is about six feet tall.
The OPP continues to also follow-up on public tips regarding potential sightings. If you believe you may have seen the girls or have any information, please call 1-888-310-1122 immediately. If you are camping in the area or passing through, please be on the lookout for them.
While offers to assist with the search are appreciated, the OPP is requesting that people not come to the area to assist. Police say all of their searchers are specially trained and all are GPS tracked. Having additional people could hinder potential tracking efforts by the dogs and increase the possibility of someone else getting lost.
