These are the only details I know:
On Saturday, there were 3 hikers staying at a lean-to in Roaring Brook. The car plates were from Quebec. According to their campground neighbor, they had small day packs with them and set out to hike Saturday a.m. It was pretty cold on Saturday night and they did not return. On Sunday, it was very windy and SAR set out up to Chimney Pond, where they had signed in on Saturday. They searched various trails and found nothing, wondering if the group had planned on spending the night out (illegal backcountry camping). By early Sunday night, they still had not been found. According to the Roaring Brook ranger, they found their way to the Tote Road about 3 miles south of Roaring Brook on Sunday night/Mon morning. He said that they took a side trip down the Knife Edge and bushwacked for 2 days to get to the road.
This is all I know, and I'm very happy it turned out ok. It made me feel a little better knowing that the BSP rangers -do- check out the log books and cars to ensure everyone has returned safely.
-Liza