A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, Alaska, MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoist a 31-year-old stranded hiker from Thunder Mountain near Juneau, Alaska, May 14, 2015.
After notifying 911 by cellphone, the hiker was able to use a reflective device to help rescuers hone in on his location.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard rescued a 31-year-old stranded hiker from Thunder Mountain near Juneau, Alaska, Thursday.
An Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the hiker from the mountain and transferred him to the Army National Guard hangar at the Juneau International Airport.
Coast Guard 17th District command center watchstanders received a request for assistance from the Alaska State Troopers to rescue a hiker who became stranded after climbing up a cliff face, and was unable to climb down. The helicopter crew launched to the scene and conducted the hoist.
“After calling 911 by cellphone, the hiker was able to use a reflective device to help rescuers hone in on his location,” said Lt. Colin Boyle, a 17th District search and rescue controller. “It’s important for anyone heading out into the Alaskan wilderness to plan ahead, have a reliable form of communication, take appropriate gear and check the weather.”
There were no reports of injuries.
The weather on scene was reported as 9 mph winds with 11 miles of visibility.