Julian Sands search faces major blow as high winds ground rescue helicopters

28 January 2023 , 05:53

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Julian Sands search faces major blow as high winds ground rescue helicopters

Poor weather continues to delay the search for British actor Julian Sands, which has entered into a third week.

The 65-year-old was first reported missing in the Baldy Bowl area of the San Gabriel mountains in southern California on January 13. His disappearance was revealed to the press five days later as celebrity pals prayed for their friend's safe return.

There has been a number of ground and air searches already carried out in lower areas, but there is yet to be any evidence of the actor’s location.

In recent days, the Sheriff's Department in San Bernardino had seen their planned searches on higher grounds due to poor conditions, with high winds grounding helicopters on Friday.

Julian was first reported missing on Friday January 13 (AFP via Getty Images)

Authorities were "hopeful" that using new technology could detect electronic devices and credit cards to locate Sands.

Julian Sands search continues 'intermittently’ three weeks after he vanished

This is because the technology will be able to more accurately pinpoint an area on which to focus efforts.

It said: "The search for Julian Sands continues by air only. The California Highway Patrol – Valley Division Air Ops from Auburn, California, is currently assisting us in the search using a Recco device.

"Recco technology can detect Recco reflective material, electronics, and in some cases, credit cards."

It continued: "We are hopeful our @chp_hq partners, Officers Hertzell & Calcutt, can pinpoint an area where we can focus our search efforts, and we thank them for their assistance."

So far, infrared devices have also been used by authorities, but they've unfortunately had no effect. A search for a second hiker missing in the same area had brought good news after he was found alive.

However, Sands' brother has admitted that he knows "in my heart he has gone" after sharing a heartbreaking admission earlier this week.

Elder brother Nick has spoken individually about his loved one's disappearance - sharing his fears Julian has passed away.

Julian's brother Nick admitted earlier this week that he believes that his younger sibling 'has gone' (Tytus Zmijewski/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

"He has not yet been declared missing, presumed dead, but I know in my heart that he has gone," Nick told . "However sibling rivalry being what it is, it would be just like him to walk out of there and prove me wrong."

Sands, who was born in Otley and grew up in Gargrave, moved to Los Angeles in 2020 but returned to his hometown at least three times a year.

The father-of-three's breakout role came in period drama A Room With A View, where he starred alongside Helena Bonham Carter.

Julian Sands search continues five weeks after actor's disappearance

He is best known as the titular character in 1989 hit film Warlock as well as Arachnophobia and Dario Argento's The Phantom of the Opera.

Josh Luckhurst