The Simpcw First Nation is grateful after two missing hunters were found safe early on Sunday morning by search and rescue teams.

Paul Celesta and Will Smith were reported missing on Saturday after they failed to return home after a hunting trip in the Barriere area.

Dozens of Simpcw members began looking for the pair on Saturday night along with Search and Rescue teams from Barriere and Kamloops – with KSAR taking on the role as Team Manager.

Search and Rescue teams from the Shuswap and Wells Gray were heading to the area on Sunday, but they weren’t needed as the pair was found around 10:00 a.m.

“Fortunately we didn’t have to send them out as the two gentlemen were located and got a ride out,” said a statement from Barriere Search and Rescue.

Reports are that the two men ran into trouble when their pickup truck broke down on Saturday afternoon.

“On behalf of Simpcw First Nation and the family of elder Paul Celesta and Will Smith, we are very grateful for the communities of Chu Chua, Barriere and the surrounding area for assisting with the missing hunters,” a post on the Simpcw First Nation facebook page said. “I am blown away by the generosity of the communities.”

“I am amazed at the joint effort to find our loved ones. I am proud to be a part of two amazing communities that can come together in a time of crisis.”

(Photos via Simpcw First Nation)