ASTORIA, OREGON— 33-year-old female hiker was airlifted by a Coast Guard helicopter Saturday after falling 120 feet down a steep gully on Mount Larrabee in Washington’s Mount Baker Wilderness.
A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Port Angeles assisted local search and rescue crews with the evacuation of the injured hiker who was unable to descend the mountain due to serious injuries suffered in the fall.
Due to the location of the injured hiker and need to conduct the evacuation before sunset, the Washington State Emergency Management Division requested the Coast Guard’s assistance. The Coast Guard aircrew searched the narrow gully for 40 minutes before spotting a reflection from hikers on the mountain, who led the aircrew to the injured female.
“Operating at an altitude of 6,710 feet and with less than 10 minutes of fuel remaining to stay on scene, the aircrew successfully completed a precision hoist at approximately 8:40 p.m. and safely transported the hiker to Bellingham Airport, where emergency medical services from Bellingham Fire were waiting.” U.S. Coast Guard
“This successful outcome is a direct result of the outstanding teamwork and rapid coordination between our agencies. I want to thank Whatcom County Search and Rescue, Bellingham Fire Department, as well as the hikers for their efforts. Equipped with advanced survival training and critical safety gear, the hiking party was uniquely prepared to serve as active partners during the rescue of their fellow hiker.” -Lt. Cmdr. Marshall Burtt
