Rescue Teams Brave Harsh Conditions to Save Missing Hiker in West Texas Mountains
A missing hiker’s life is saved by daring rescue teams battling brutal weather in West Texas’ Guadalupe Mountains. 🌐 #News #ElPasoTX #Texas #MissingPerson
EL PASO, TX – A missing hiker lost in the freezing cold of the Guadalupe Mountains in West Texas is alive today, thanks to the quick actions of air and ground rescue teams who fought through intense weather conditions. After being separated from their group on a mountain trail, the hiker endured hypothermic symptoms while rescue efforts ramped up, involving multiple agencies and extensive coordination.
The Search Begins
The incident unfolded when a group of hikers descended Guadalupe Peak on Saturday. One individual became separated from the group, and by that evening, they were reported missing.
A search was immediately initiated, with teams from the National Park Service and the Texas Department of Public Safety joining park rangers to locate the hiker.
Rescue Operations and Challenges
By Sunday morning, a CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) AS350 helicopter crew was able to pinpoint the hiker’s location around 9:30 a.m. However, poor weather conditions and limited visibility prevented a direct helicopter evacuation.
The rescue operation then pivoted to ground efforts, with U.S. Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) agents hiking for two hours through the rugged terrain to reach the stranded hiker.
Hiker’s Condition and Final Rescue
Once the BORSTAR agents reached the hiker, they found the individual exhibiting symptoms of hypothermia. The agents quickly sprang into action, starting a fire, offering dry clothing, and providing food and water.
Medical care was also initiated in the extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to the upper 20s Fahrenheit and heavy snowfall.
“The conditions were extremely cold with temperatures in the upper 20’s Fahrenheit. The snowfall was significant, and our BORSTAR agents made a significant physical effort to help rescue the hiker,” said Ricardo Cardiel, Acting Special Operations Supervisor for the Special Operations Detachment, El Paso Sector.
As weather conditions improved, the helicopter crew returned, and the hiker was successfully airlifted down the mountain and transferred to waiting EMS personnel. The hiker was then transported to a local hospital for treatment.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | Missing Persons | Texas
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