For all we know, he was using the tracking feature. That too can fail, you know...rayfound wrote:
In the case of our missing compatriot, using the tracking feature would have allowed a much smaller search radius. None of this is to replace an itinerary, but rather to supplement.
what would have definitely absolutely allowed a much smaller search radius would have been a reliable itinerary left behind... that he detailed alternates and any bailout routes he might use on, or perhaps just described the boundaries of where he would be.
Although -- even then, the search teams won't assume he stuck to that, necessarily. People do still make wacky decisions under the influence -- of drugs, of alcohol, of head injury.... A fairly good number of searches in my recollection featured substance use, in fact.