Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue was contacted on the morning of May 2 to assist in the rescue of a Search and Rescue team that had gotten stuck on a ledge while trying to reach a stranded hiker.
The hiker had called 911 the evening before to request help getting off a ledge he had become stuck on while hiking with his two dogs. Members of Arrowsmith SAR, Campbell River SAR and Port Alberni SAR were all called to assist in this rescue.
At approximately 7:30 the call came in to help with the recovery of the SAR team that was stuck on the ledge. After hiking in for about three hours, the five members of Comox Valley SAR were within 300 metres of the stranded team when there was a brief break in the clouds long enough for the Cormorant from 442 Squadron to hoist all three SAR members off the ledge and take them off the hill.
They were tired and slightly hypothermic but all were happy to be out of the bush. Another fine example of rescue flying by the team from 442 Squadron.
This is the fifth call already this year for Comox Valley SAR. After a near record year last year CVGSAR is getting ready for another busy year.
For information about volunteering with CVGSAR or to assist this community-based group with a donation, contact president Paul Berry at 250-338-5217 or cvgsar@yahoo.com.
— Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue