The call to 911 was received at approximately 9:00PM EDT when the hikers found themselves in a location where they could not return the way they came.
Once Fire crews were able to find their location, it was determined that a technical rope rescue would be required to bring them to safety.
Crews set up on top of the mountain to lower a firefighter 120 meters to the hiker’s location. Once each hiker was harnessed to a line, they were lowered one at a time an additional 60 meters to a trail where firefighters escorted them across the lookout area of Mt. McKay where they were assessed by paramedics.
None of the hikers were injured even though they were not prepared to spend the night outdoors. All refused medical treatment at the Regional Hospital. The rescue evolution required 3 Pumper crews, the technical rescue trailer and 14 hours to safely complete.
