ICYMI: Daring Rescue in California’s Death Valley as Hiker Trapped in Dangerous Gully
A tourist was stranded in a perilous Death Valley gully, but a dramatic rescue by California park rangers in the dark of night saved his life. 🌐 #News #DeathValleyCA #California #Rescue
DEATH VALLEY, CA – A harrowing rescue unfolded last week in California‘s Death Valley National Park when a Belgian tourist found himself trapped in a perilous gully, unable to descend or move forward. The dramatic event, which took place on January 15, captured the attention of park rangers as they battled difficult terrain to reach the stranded hiker.
The Danger Unfolds
On the fateful day, two Belgian men embarked on a seemingly harmless hike through Mosaic Canyon. The duo decided to split up, with one sticking to the main trail while the other ventured into a less-traveled side canyon, intending to loop back. However, things quickly turned dangerous.
The side canyon steepened rapidly, and as the hiker climbed, the terrain grew more unstable. He was soon trapped, half a mile away from the trail, unable to move safely in any direction.
The stranded hiker was woefully unprepared for such a situation. Wearing only a T-shirt and lacking extra clothing, food, or water, he found himself in a life-threatening position. Fortunately, he had a satellite phone on hand and managed to call for help, alerting park rangers to his plight.
Rescue Efforts in the Dead of Night
Rangers faced extreme difficulty as they climbed the loose, steep slope to reach the hiker. Despite the approaching nightfall, they pressed on and reached him just 40 minutes after sunset.
With a helicopter already on its way from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, the rangers realized that the risky downdraft from the aircraft’s rotors could dislodge unstable rocks from above. A hoist was deemed too dangerous.
Instead, the rangers quickly improvised. They tied webbing around a boulder, using it as an anchor, and carefully fitted the hiker with a harness and helmet. The dramatic moment came as the rangers rappelled down the treacherous slope, lowering the hiker to safety.
By 7 p.m., the group had made it back to the trailhead, with the hiker uninjured but shaken by the experience. The hiker was reportedly grateful for the skill and bravery of the rangers involved.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | Belgium | California
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