Photo credit: www.cbsnews.com
Rescue Operation for Stranded Backcountry Skiers in Washington
A dramatic rescue mission unfolded in the rugged terrain of Washington state, where a group of backcountry skiers found themselves in peril after one skier fell approximately 1,000 feet. Emergency responders executed a nighttime operation, successfully hoisting the stranded men into a helicopter amidst challenging conditions.
The operation, carried out by the King County Sheriff’s Air Support team, took place near Stevens Pass, a popular ski destination located within the Cascade Range. Using heat detecting sensors, the team identified the location of three men who were stranded on a steep section of the mountain, surrounded by dense forest.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office initiated the rescue efforts after receiving an SOS alert from an Apple Watch. This alert indicated that one of the skiers had fallen and sustained a leg injury. The Apple SOS feature allows users to send distress signals via satellite, ensuring they can communicate emergencies even in remote areas devoid of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
Following their identification, the team discovered that two of the three skiers were injured and unable to walk. The rescue crew efficiently transported each injured skier into one of their helicopters, ensuring their safe extraction from the treacherous environment.
On social media, the air support unit shared footage from the operation, describing it as a “spicy rescue.” The post highlighted the limited information available at the start of the mission, with details gleaned from the satellite distress call. Two helicopters were deployed: Guardian 1 located the victims, while Guardian 2 facilitated their rescue.
Authorities have not released the identities of the skiers involved in this incident, but the operation underscores the risks associated with backcountry skiing and the importance of having reliable communication tools in emergency situations.
For more details, you can view the footage of the rescue on [YouTube](https://t.co/bJk2Nt0T8C).
Source
www.cbsnews.com