Search underway for missing Australian woman and partner in Fraser Valley

Search and Rescuecrews are combing through mountainous trails near Chehalis, B.C. searching for a 34-year-old Australian woman and her 44-year old partner.

Sophie Dowsley and Gregory James Tiffin were last seen at a business in the 100 block of Esplanade Avenuein Harrison Hot Springs on Saturday.

A family friend contacted police after they didn't return home that dayand didn't show up for work on Monday.

RCMP in the Upper Fraser Valley Regional District said they believe the pair was headed for a hike at Statlu Lake near Chehalis between the communities of Mission and Harrison Hot Springs.

On Wednesday morning, the couple's vehicle a black 2000 Chevy Silverado was found.

"The truck was located at Statlu lake by Kent Harrison Search and Rescue. The truck was unoccupied," said Cpl. Mike Rail ofthe Upper Fraser Valley Regional District.

"Kent Harrison Search and Rescue are now focusing a ground search in the area where the truck was found."

Police are asking people to stay out of the area while the search is underway.

"The area that the search is being conducted in, it's very treacherous, dangerous mountain terrain," said Rail.

Rail said the couple lived in Vancouver, but Dowsley is originally Australian. He said members of her family are flying to the Lower Mainland in hopes of helping with the search.

Anyone who might have seen the couple is asked to contact the RCMP..