I genuinely hope this is just a case of an overly concerned gf/wife worrying too soon.
A buddy and I went on an adventurous day trip kayaking a really difficult stretch of water once, fishing. I told the wife we'd be back by 6 or so. No cell service. About 830 that night we made it to the takeout and I trotted uphill several hundred feet of elevation to where I could get a signal and check in with her. She'd already called authorities and they were organizing a search party. lol.
In fairness, she was pregnant with our third child and I could understand her concern. But, yeah, I'm hoping it's just that sort of thing and they're out there surprised at how quickly their emergency comms died but having a blast chasing elk.