Julian Sands' family thanks 'heroic' rescue teams amid ongoing search for missing actor

Julian Sands' family is "deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support" as a search continues for the missing actor.

Sands, star of several Oscar-nominated films including “A Room With a View,” was reported missing on Jan. 13 after going hiking on Mt. Baldy in Southern California.

"Our heartfelt thanks to the compassionate members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department who are coordinating the search for our beloved Julian," the actor's family said in a statement Monday, shared the sheriff's department.

They also thanked various "heroic" search teams "who are braving difficult conditions on the ground and in the air to bring Julian home."

"We are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support," Sands' family added.

Hope remains to find actor Julian Sands, missing on treacherous California mountain 1 week

Authorities change method of Julian Sands search party

In a tweet Wednesday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department shared that the search for Sands has been shifted to an exclusive aerial search. The department added that it's also employing RECCO technology, a rescue technology commonly used in outdoor and avalanche search parties, in its search efforts.

"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," the department wrote. "RECCO technology can detect RECCO reflective material, electronics, (and) in some cases, credit cards."

Julian Sands goes missing Jan. 13, search continues

Search efforts for the 65-year-old actor began on Jan. 13, but have been paused and resumed based on a series of storms that have created dangerous mountain conditions in the area.

"As we enter day 11 of the search for Julian Sands on Mt. Baldy, we are reminded of the sheer determination & selflessness of all of the people who have aided in this search. We will continue to utilize the resources available to us," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said Monday.

The department released another statement on its press website, sharing that over the weekend, "helicopters and drones continued to use infrared devices during the search, however, all were negative for any signs of Sands."

"A high wind warning is currently in place and has prohibited the use of helicopters today," they added.

Previous: Julian Sands, 'A Room With a View' actor, goes missing after mountain hike in Southern California

Second hiker goes missing and is found

Since Sands went missing, another Southern California resident was also reported missing in the area. Search efforts began for Jin Chung, a 75-year-old man, on Sunday after he carpooled to Mt. Baldy with a group and he didn't return to their meeting spot at their agreed time.

"The ground search for Mr. Chung has allowed for a secondary search of some of the areas previously searched in the efforts to locate Mr. Sands," the sheriff's office shared.

Chung was located on Tuesday and hospitalized for injuries, the sheriff's office updated. He "suffered some weather-related injuries and a leg injury but was able to walk out with the assistance of the crew members."

No new information about Sands was uncovered. They will continue searching for the actor, weather permitting.

Who is British actor Julian Sands?

Sands starred opposite Helena Bonham Carter in the 1985 British romance from director James Ivory, “A Room With a View.”

He also had major roles in 1989′s “Warlock,” 1990′s “Arachnophobia,” 1991′s “Naked Lunch,” 1993′s “Boxing Helena,” and 1995′s “Leaving Las Vegas.”

Sands has worked consistently in the decades since with smaller roles in film and television. His most recent credit is in the 2022 horror film "The Ghosts of Monday," according to IMDb.

Contributing: The Associated Press

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Julian Sands missing: Search continues for actor, second hiker found