An 83-year-old hiker is recovering after falling from a trail in the Enderby Cliffs trail system.
Vernon Search and Rescue (VSAR) said it was called Tuesday, June 23, to assist the hiker, who reportedly slipped on loose gravel and fell into steep terrain before sliding farther down the slope. Two other people descended to help but found themselves on equally unstable footing.
VSAR responded with 20 members, including its rope rescue team.
Rescuers located the three people, assessed the situation and developed a rescue plan. Officials said rope rescue technicians safely brought all three people back to the trail, where they were secured and prepared for evacuation.
VSAR said initial information suggested the group was near cliff terrain and that cellphone coverage in the area was limited. Attempts to call 911 were unsuccessful. However, one member of the group was able to contact a family member, who then notified emergency services on the group’s behalf.
While awaiting assistance, the companions remained with the injured hiker and prevented him from sliding farther down the slope.
VSAR said its biggest challenge was determining the hikers’ exact location. Crews were eventually able to establish communication.
Because of the warm temperatures, steep terrain and the lengthy hike into and out of the area, VSAR requested assistance from Penticton Search and Rescue’s Helicopter External Transport System/Class D Fixed Line (HETS/CDFL) team.
After the ground team completed the technical rescue and returned all three people to the trail, the helicopter team arrived and transported them safely off the mountain, where they were assessed by BC Emergency Health Services personnel.
Members also provided water to several hikers they encountered on the trail who had underestimated their needs for the day and had run out of supplies in the heat.
Search crews reminded hikers to carry plenty of water, share their trip plans and know how to share their GPS location in an emergency.
VSAR said crews were grateful the incident ended safely and wished everyone involved a speedy recovery.
